Blog Post #9 Condoms in Rwanda

  There is a proposed initiative to give out condoms to secondary schools in Rwanda. Teachers and other members of society are now divided, some believing that the children are not mature enough to learn about sex, while others disagree. HDI- Rwanda and the Association Ihorere Munyarwanda are for the program, on the grounds that young people should be protected from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and also pregnancy. In November, there are plans to carry out mass mobilization and awareness raising for the stakeholders including school heads, teachers and local officials, if the gov. gives NGO permission, the actual distribution would begin in December.
  The fact that they are trying to raise awareness for a problem, that Africa has been known for, for such a long time, I believe is amazing. This is the first step to bringing down the blow of deadly viruses for innocent people. I believe that in all the countries around the world awareness should be made, about all diseases, and sexual acts that can lead to them. In America, we teach out fifth graders about sex, and then again in middle school, and high school, and we don't go through all the things many of Rwandan children have on a daily basis. Raising awareness about the any serious health epidemic should raise some serious news coverage, there are so many ways, that other countries can try to help Rwanda, in their quest to better protect their children from having to grow up only a few years older than their own children, with a life taking disease, or some other type of infection. I don't believe that anyone should see educating children about sex as a bad thing, the more educated the less mistakes they are likely to make later on in life, or when they are put in a situation that would call for that knowledge.

http://www.globalhealth.org/news/article/13867