The project was first implemented in Colombo District and gradually spread around the country. Project officers and teachers were employed to ensure reproductive health education was taught in every school. At the beginning there was a lot of scepticism as to whether there would be a backlash from parents, teachers and principals. Programmes are aimed at school students between 13 and 18 years old and give an overview of what reproductive health is. They look at physical and mental behavioural changes in adolescence, anatomy and physiology of the reproductive systems, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Sessions are interactive and students can ask questions.
School teachers enrolled in a counselling course simulate a counselling session. Mr Berty Anderson, project officer for Colombo District, says he has met a few principals who were sceptical about teaching reproductive health, but says students have been very eager to take part. From time to time programmes are held for parents to make them aware of the subject matter and the need for parental responsibility and sensitivity towards adolescent children. We are happy this void is being filled, and in the right way. The youngsters look at how to tell others about reproductive health and how to lead activities for their peers and younger children.