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Relating learning to life: appropriate sex education.


 It is extremely important that the developmental needs of every individual be addressed during adolescence. Very few programs, however, strategically respond to the specific needs of young people. Adults need to instead understand the needs and concerns of adolescents, and provide guiding support. CHETNA has made the health and development of adolescents one of its priority program areas. The Founding Member and Deputy Director of CHETNA, Ahmedabad, discusses the need to go beyond sex education, CHETNA's experiences and lessons learned, problems with current sex education, and areas needing change, and makes recommendations for future action. Development programs should include sex education and strive to sensitize adolescents on gender, social, and reproductive health issues with the goal of fostering positive relationships. Emphasis should be given to building adolescents' self-esteem, respect, and personalities, especially the decision-making process to help adolescents gain control over their lives. Creative programs should also offer authentic, reliable, and scientific sex/reproductive health education, as well as the integration of psychological issues within the context of growth and sexual development. School teachers should be sensitized and trained to upgrade skills, while efforts should be made to explore alternative, reliable sources of information for adolescents on sex and gender. Parents should be made aware of and sensitized about adolescent development. It is in society's best interest to provide for the open discussion of sex and sexuality in a comfortable atmosphere.
