The Role of ODL in Reproductive Health Education: A way Towards Reducing Pregnancy to Students
Frida J. Minja, Julieth G. Muunga Wilhelmina, L. Saria Josephat, Alois Saria · JOURNAL OF ISSUES AND PRACTICE IN EDUCATION · 2016
In spite of liberal environment of our society, there remains reticence to talk about sexuality in natural way, especially around children. Parents or teachers without bad intention have either introduce erroneous facts or warning when asked about sexuality matters. As a result false information is spread, and the parents, (society) are satisfied because they have been able to avoid it altogether. This research was conducted to determine the role of Reproductive Health Education (RHE) in reducing pregnancy rate among adolescent school girls in Bagamoyo District. The sample included 80 adolescent girls in secondary schools, 10 teachers and 10 parents. Majority of adolescent students reported to become aware of puberty and biological changes in their bodies when they have already attain menarche, about 10% of adolescent between 10-13 years were not aware until when they menstruation. About 60% of parents reported not to discuss with their daughter on sexual matters; although there are some topics of RH in biology syllabus, the topics were either partially covered or not taught at all. Almost all teachers 100% did not cover the topics of RH in the syllabus while majority (80%) report to have used lecture methods. It is recommended that RHE should be made a compulsory subject together with teachers training on provision of RHE and mobilization of parents towards home RHE. ODL can be used as proper option to reach majority of adolescent and parent on this critical aspect of RH. To overcome the physical distance and build in interaction, the provider may try to use the two way potential of, for example, mailed assignment marking, emails, telephone, tele- and video-conferencing, call-in radio or TV, as well as prerecorded video or audio materials.