Toward the end of school term 2 (February/March), Children of Kibera Interns, Jackie and Joscelyn, also Life Skills teachers at Kibra Academy, began an extensive group of lessons on sex education as part of the life skills program at the school.
Class began with lessons on healthy relationships and communication. The groups discussed, in depth, the hot topic of cheating and lying. Why does one cheat? How is cheating related to lack of communication? What does cheating symbolize in our society? Each class had an opportunity to discuss environmental and societal problems that lead to the break-up of a marriage or relationship. To enhance the importance of communication and respect, Jackie and Joscelyn organized "couples" to compete in a "How Well Do You Know Your Mate?" contest. Each pair was instructed to learn basic and in-depth facts about each other, which required them to use their active listening and communicating skills. Later, a group of two or three students was chosen to host a radio talk show, where the "DJs" could bring up any relationship topic. The students were allowed to call in and voice their opinions. The show went as far to discuss female/male gender roles and expectations.
The subject then shifted to the subject of sexual violence. The class discussed the definition and effects of rape and incest and its unfortunately frequent occurrence in Kibera. Students proposed tips on how to protect oneself from sexual violence and rape. Many were surprised to find out that sexual violence and rape occurs between boyfriends and girlfriends or husbands and wives. Separately, the class discussed the five circles of sexuality: sexualization (sexual harassment, rape, incest), sexual identity (sexual orientation & gender identity), sexual health and reproduction (reproductive organs, anatomy, and attitudes about intercourse), intimacy (sharing, risk-taking), and sensuality (awareness and comfort of one's own body, body image, skin hunger, fantasy). This lesson was particularly structured to open students' minds about human sexuality, the levels on which it exists, and the complex nature of one's concept of sexuality.
The discussion moved into safe sex practices and inquiries. In order to reduce everyone's embarrassment, students were asked to submit questions to be answered anonymously. We also covered the symptoms and effects of different STDs and STIs and how to use various forms of contraception.
Finally, the group finished with an up-close look at HIV, stigma, politics, and cures. First, each student was assigned to read one chapter from Stephanie Nolen's 28 Stories of AIDS in Africa. Each chapter tells the story of one individual who has been affected by HIV and how he or she has contributed to the community, country, or the fight at-large. Students were then asked to prepare presentations on their story for the class. As an added treat, three local HIV educators (Ann, Eric, and Mabel) visited Kibra to introduce modes of transmission, stages of HIV/AIDS, attempts toward a cure, and options for medication and healthy living. Ann addressed different misconceptions and myths about HIV; Mabel lectured about physiology and the immune system; Eric encouraged everyone to go for VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) and talked about why one might not want to know his or her status. The students responded enthusiastically, asking the three to come back soon.
To top off the weeks and weeks of sex discussions and activities, Jackie and Joscelyn designed a Jeopardy game, to wrap up everything and end with a bang. Although some lessons were heavier or less animated than others, Kibra students can now walk away with enough accurate and accessible information to protect themselves from the dark side of sex that can so easily cloud one's chance at a bright future.