Sexuality Education in Portugal

Transcription

1 Sexuality Education in Portugal Joana Sousa October 2012

2 Sexual rights include: Sexual Rights The right to information, education and knowledge The right to be free of discrimination, oppression, abuses and violence The right to be free of sexual avoidable problems and risks which means, the right to sexual health The right to freely express and decide about the behaviours and relationships that one wishes to be involved or not involved.

3 Sexuality Education as a Sexual Right It is in this context that we must understand sexuality education - as one of our sexual rights May influence the fulfilment of the other sexual rights

4 Sexuality Education in Portugal In Portugal, as in other countries, sexuality education has been an issue of public debates and controversies In one side: SE is supported by professionals, NGOS, liberal politicians and decision makers, students' associations and parents confederation. For these, school is an important setting to promote healthy life styles, to avoid health problems and to promote citizenship

5 Sexuality Education in Portugal However, SE has been attacked and often stopped by conservative and religious groups and political forces. For these groups only families and not the schools have the right to moral education of their children. Among these groups, sexuality should not be approached by the school In this context, many decision makers, school boards and teachers often feel insecure and see Sexuality Education as a possible source of problems

6 Why is sexuality education still so polemic? Sexuality Education is about values, even in its more medical approaches We live in a diverse society and for a part of it, namely the religious organizations, the expression of sexuality in children and youth continues to be denied, and abstinence is the central value on sexuality to be promoted

7 A brief history of Sexuality Education in Portugal 60 s - Progressive catholic priests decided to approach these issues in the Religious Education classes. 80 s - First law on SE (Law 3/84) - however in practice, the activities in schools were held by external elements. 90 s - Because of AIDS, school SE became part of the programs of the Ministry of Education. It was promoted a pilot project in 5 schools.

8 A brief history of Sexuality Education in Portugal (2) The first Sexuality Education Guidelines were published and disseminated in all the Portuguese schools. - Sexuality Education becomes part of the language of the School system - In the first year of the new century, this process was stopped by a new conservative government

9 A brief history of Sexuality Education in Portugal (3) New progresses have been done Sexuality education become a mandatory

10 Portugal 2012 Sexuality Education Aims To value sexuality and affections in the context of personal development, respecting the pluralism of conceptions that exists in the Portuguese society. To develop skills that may promote safe and informed choices in the field of sexuality. To reduce the negative consequences of the risky sexual behaviours such as unintended pregnancies and STIs. To strength the capacity of protection against all forms of sexual abuses and exploitation.

11 Portugal 2012 Sexuality Education Aims To promote the respect of the differences between people, namely those in the field of sexual orientation. To promote a responsible and informed sexuality. To promote gender equity. To understand the scientific biological mechanisms of human reproduction; To eliminate behaviours based on sexual discrimination, or sexual or gender violence.

12 How is Sexuality Education organized Duration in schools? The time must be adapted in each level and school class but with a minimum of 6 hours/year for the 1st and 2 nd grades and 12 hours/year for the 3rd and Secondary grades Context Citizenship Education Distributed by the several school subjects Pontual activities

13 How is Sexuality Education organized in schools? (2) Part of a wider Health Education project which includes 4 areas sexuality, nutrition, drugs prevention and violence prevention. Each school must integrate a SE project in its general educational project. Each school has a teacher which coordinates this Health Education programme This teacher and the school have to organize a team to guarantee SE

14 How is Sexuality Education organized in schools? (3) Has to be established a SE programme, together with the coordinator with a responsible teacher Create a cabinet for information and guidance and establish the necessary partnerships with the local health services and NGOs. Schools must ensure the training of the teams and provide adequate pedagogical materials.

15 Collaboration on preparation of Sexuality Education Guidelines Teachers Training on SE Technical support on SE APF s Role Creation and dissemination of pedagogical materials and technical articles on SE Intervention on SE with young people within projects inside and outside school

16 Sexuality Education Guidelines Scientific Publications

17 Sexuality Education Pedagogical Materials

18 Sexuality Education of Portuguese Youth Main conclusions Better Sexuality Education levels are associated with: Better knowledge and skills about sexuality Delayed Sexual Initiation More positive and rewarding experiences on Sex life Adoption of preventive behaviors and a greater ability to look for help when needed

19 Some Conclusions Positive Aspects / Achievements Appropriate legislation on School Sexuality Education Elaboration and dissemination of the guidelines for SE Positive evaluation of the impact of SE Creation and dissemination of pedagogical materials for SE Teacher training on SE

20 Some Conclusions Negative Aspects / limitations Heavily dependent on political measures and political changes Moment of austerity Remains controversial Complex model of school organization which recognizes the autonomy of the school in the implementation of SE Lack of consistency Absence of teacher training during their academic course Lack of research and difficult assessment and monitoring SE