Exploration on Challenges which Hinder Sexuality Education in Public Secondary Day Schools in Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to explore the challenges which hinder sexuality education in public day secondary schools in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Geita region and covered three secondary schools of Geita district. Phenomenological research design with purposive and non-random sampling was used to select obtain 30 informants, 24 students from form one to form four and 6 guidance and counselling participant teachers. The study employed semi-structure interview to teachers and focus group discussion to students at capturing views on the challenges hinder effective implantation of comprehensive sexuality education in secondary day schools. Data which was collected were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that sexuality education challenges which were identified were those related to economic, cultural, institutional, globalization, and teachers’ knowledge. Economic factors included family poverty and lack of students’ basic needs. Cultural factors include those from religious beliefs and taboos which prohibit talking sexuality issues to young people while those related to institution include limited sexuality time and unfavorable environment. Those challenges related to globalization included social Medias and high exposure to phonographs from the internet. Therefore, it was discovered that uncontrolled economic, cultural, institutional, social Medias and teachers’ training related challenges led adolescent students to engage in risky sex behaviors and experience its side effects including early pregnancies.