An insightful exchange which brought together diverse voices committed to advancing inclusive, relevant, and empowering sexuality education for adolescents and young people inclusive of INERELA+ Executive Director Munya Mandipaza took place on the on the 6th of August 2025. During the session participants explored key findings from UNESCO and KIT Institute’s study on adolescents’ and young people’s perspectives on school-based sexuality education in low- and middle-income countries.
The objectives of the learning session were to:
- Share key preliminary findings from recent research on school-based sexuality education (SE), with a focus on what works and where challenges remain, particularly from the perspectives of young people.
- Amplify adolescent and youth voices by presenting recommendations and insights from young people on how SE can better reflect their realities.
- Explore the value of youth-adult partnerships in research for SE.
- Discuss strategies to improve SE delivery especially through meaningful engagement of young people in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programmes.
The research highlighted insightful evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, such as:
- Preferred sources: The schoolwas highlighted by (78% of the respondents) as the most trusted source for learning about sexuality education—especially for marginalized youth.
- Content gaps: most respondents recalled learning about sexual and reproductive health, and the human body, but topics such as violence and staying safe, gender, consent, mental health, and emotions were often missing.
- Teaching methods: While 58% of the respondents were satisfied with the lecture style of teaching, others preferred more creative and interactive approaches.
- Safety and trust: Safe learning environments were mentioned as critical in fostering open discussion and meaningful learning. 50% of learners reported not feeling safe to ask questions in class about sexuality-education related topics.
Some recommendations from young people were also shared, such as:
- Expanding topics to address gender, relationships, emotions, and mental health.
- Creating safe and supportive school environments.
- Introducing sexuality education at an earlier age
- Improving teachers’ skills so they can deliver better sexuality education content.
Dr. Akat Pride Arrah’s presentation backed the research evidence. She shared findings from the qualitative research done in Cameroon and highlighted a few gaps that would make a huge difference once addressed
Naishooki Gideon Lairumbe from Tanzania highlighted a clear disconnect between school-based sexuality education and young people’s real-life issues. Topics like consent, relationships, and identity are part of their daily lives, yet they are often addressed in ways that feel overly formal or judgmental rather than empathetic and relevant. Despite this gap, youth are creating their own spaces—informal clubs, online groups, and storytelling circles—where they lead open, honest conversations on their own terms. These spaces reflect a strong desire for connection, trust, and truth.
The INERELA+ Executive Director highlighted that young people want to be co-creators of solutions, not passive recipients. Their voice matters and not just as data points, but as drivers of change.
Terence Chakufwaya emphasized the need for a safer space where young people can interact and discuss sexuality education freely. He also highlighted the importance of making sexuality education curricula more comprehensive.
You can watch the full recording here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nVT6XEwn18