Table of Contents, Preface, and Introduction

>>Available in PDF

From the Introduction
Comprehensive sexuality education is increasingly viewed as a crucial component of any young person’s formal education as well as a public health necessity. Over one billion people—nearly one-fifth of the world’s population—are adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19. Many are already sexually active, whether married or not, and are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, unplanned pregnancy, botched abortion, and sexual coercion or violence.

At the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994, representatives of 179 countries agreed that adolescents have a right to information regarding their reproductive and sexual health. The compelling need for high-quality information and services has been reaffirmed at subsequent conferences, including the United Nations Special Session on Children, held in New York in 2002. Comprehensive sexuality education could have a dramatic impact on curbing the AIDS epidemic, decreasing the number of unwanted pregnancies and resulting complications, and empowering girls and women to exercise their right to sexual and reproductive self-determination.

Given this increased support, many comprehensive sexuality education programs and curricula are being developed, and much has been learned about effective teaching approaches. Unfortunately, however, some of the most creative teaching materials are not easily accessible in many parts of the world.

This resource manual provides a handpicked selection of some of the best English-language sexuality education materials currently available. The lesson plans address key issues; use creative, interactive, learner-centered teaching strategies; and are adaptable to diverse cultural settings. They are also progressive. They address gender issues, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and present sexuality as a positive part of life rather than something to be feared and shrouded in taboos.

The lesson plans reprinted here are appropriate for 10- to 19-year-olds and are classroom ready. They are meant to serve as a source of ideas, examples, and inspiration for educators developing their own sexuality education curricula. Depending on the cultural context, level of community support, and students’ level of knowledge and experience, some lesson plans may need considerable adaptation to be relevant and effective. Listed at the end of the book are references to additional recommended lesson plans that are either available online or can be ordered for a fee.