Thu, 04 May 2017 09:32:57 +0000
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
THOSE calling for the distribution of condoms in schools should stop looking at the issue in terms of gaining donor funding, says Ngoni senior chief Madzimawe.
The traditional leader, who is Madzimawe Foundation chairperson, said there was need for a broader approach in dealing with the issue because condoms were not a solution to the declining moral standards among school children.
He said the problem required all stakeholders to come on board to establish the cause of the high sexual activity among school-going children in building a strong basis to justify what action the Government must take in resolving the issue.
“Maybe we need to revisit the reproductive health education curriculum to encompass all aspects of sex education, including consequences and challenges of early child bearing.
“We need a broad approach to the problem to help build a basis for what action the Government needs to take in dealing with the high rate of pregnancies in schools instead of introducing condoms in learning institutions,” Senior Chief Madzimawe said. He explained that as a matter of fact not all children affected were school-going as the problem affected even those out of school.
The traditional leader said there was need to get all stakeholders on board including the church, civil society organisations and the teaching service to put heads together in finding a lasting solution.
“Also the caution goes to those calling for the distribution of condoms in schools that they should not just look at what will increase their donor funding, because what works out there might just not work with us.
“We must not allow everything that comes from out there to come into our nation just to please the funders,” he said.
