Advancing Adolescent Health Through SRHR Education

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education at EBPP Schools is integrated into the official school curriculum as a subject in EBPP’s academic scheduling. This education is essential for providing comprehensive and relevant learning for students during adolescence when they experience many physical, emotional, and social changes that require proper understanding to guide them towards making healthy and responsible decisions.

We’ve found that interactive methods, such as real-life case presentations, make the topic more accessible and engaging, helping them develop a deeper understanding of its importance.

To create a safe space for discussing sensitive topics, students write anonymous letters containing questions and concerns, which are then addressed in the following sessions. Some students revealed that in their communities, people still believe in myths such as the idea that sexually transmitted diseases are caused by black magic or karma which leads families to seek alternative treatments instead of medical care.

SRHR education not only teaches about reproductive health but also emphasizes the importance of reproductive rights, including the right to receive accurate information, protection from violence and discrimination, and the right to make their own reproductive choices without coercion. With this understanding, students are expected to respect their own rights and the rights of others regarding health and reproduction.

By creating a safe and open space for discussion, we hope that students will become confident, healthy individuals who can be agents of change within their families and communities by spreading accurate knowledge about SRHR.

By: Widiyasri, Youth Empowerment Program Facilitator

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