CONDOMS IN HIGH SCHOOLS: THE DEBATE RAGES ON

Since 2011, the debate over the introduction of condoms in high schools has been raging. Recently the Minister of Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora emphasised that his ministry was unlikely to sanction moves towards introducing such contraceptive in schools as this would compromise the country’s dignity. While the minister’s view is unquestionable, it is prudent that a lot more thought be invested in this matter as it is not simply about loss of dignity, but loss of lives with learners remaining exposed to the risk of contracting Sexually transmitted diseases and even the dreaded HIV virus. 

The controversy surrounding the distribution of condoms in high schools in and around Zimbabwe continues.

Condoms in High Schools?

There is a general consensus amongst various stakeholders, apart from the advocates of this move, that making condoms available to teenagers deviates from our societal norms and values and will promote sexual immorality. 

In fact, the idea of teenagers having sex with each other at school remains unthinkable for many of us as we do not expect high school kids to be involved with each other at such a tender age.

However, since all this is happening, there must be moves to alleviate the potential crisis that is looming if these children are not helped.

Teenagers are already indulging in sex as witnessed by the very sharp increase in teenage pregnancies over the past five years. As a result of pregnancies, many drop out of school, some succumb to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) especially HIV and are many are left exposed to a dire future. 

As a result, providing them with condoms may give them a better chance of protecting themselves against unplanned pregnancies, STI’s and also a life full of challenges.

Despite a new regulation which replaced automatic expulsion of students who fell pregnant during the course of their studies with three months maternity leave, most girls drop out of school to seek employment instead of going back to finish their studies.

Advocating for the distribution of condoms is not meant to promote immorality or give teenagers a license to have sex whenever they deem necessary, but it is meant to promote safe sexual conduct amongst those who are already sexually active.

As uncomfortable as it may be to most, there is a need to teach teenagers about condomising as a possible measure of curbing HIV/AIDS infections and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Zimbabweans value their cultural values and beliefs and will do whatever it takes to protect their dignity. But these are not as important as the lives of teenagers who are pretty much still dictated by their ever changing hormones.

The act of distributing condoms is however not enough.This action should be accompanied by sex education where pupils are taught how to correctly and effectively use condoms so that they are 100% effective. The usefulness of peer educators should be put into practice for effective communication on sexual health.

Parents must spearhead sex education at home and must teach their children about the dangers of premature sex as well as unplanned pregnancies. It is only but natural that most parents are against the distribution of condoms to their teenage sons and daughters because sex is one topic that parents don’t openly talk about, often referring them to an aunt or uncle to address the issue.

 Parents need to take cognisance of the fact that culture is dynamic and that there is nothing amiss about talking about sex with their children without involving a third party. Teaching children about safe sex and condomising will go a long way in effecting behavioural change amongst teenagers.

The Ministry of education should not turn a blind eye to this problem, hoping that one day it will miraculously disappear on its own. Denying sexually active teenagers condoms won’t stop them from indulging in sex, but will result in high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, an increase in unplanned pregnancies and an increase in backyard abortions.

The responsible stakeholders should push for the introduction of a legal framework that supports the distribution of condoms in high schools because teenagers are at the highest risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Legislators must enact policies based on the reality on the ground, not on their moral values and belief. Let the parents and the church preach morality, not politicians because politics and morals are like water and oil. They never mix. There is nothing to lose by distributing contraception to these children.

---