Standing up against teenage pregnancy
Connect-ed stands up against teenage pregnany and promotes safe sex.
With all the media attention related to teenage pregnancy in schools, it’s good to know that non-profit organisations and communities are trying to address the problems in schools and colleges.
The Connect-Ed team of ambassadors recently visited Randview College in Randfontien and created a buzz amongst students.
Connect-Ed is a high school campaign which aims to reduce the transmission of HIV/ Aids, STIs and unplanned pregnancies among the youth in South Africa.
Sarika Modi, manager of Connect-Ed says “The last survey done in 2009 reported that 45 276 school girls became pregnant.
“Of these, 109 were in grade 3 alone.
“The lack of safe sexual practices among the youth leaves sub-saharan Africa as a region with the highest rates of HIV/ Aids and STIs in the world.”
Connect-Ed was developed by condom manufacturer Durex in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education to address these issues.
The campaign has some serious messages to the youth, who are encouraged to abstain – this is safest, plan ahead – for safer sex, take responsibility and ask for support.
Connect-Ed aims to achieve both education and behavior change through various platforms.
Pupils are engaged by actors who role play some of the social scenarios that teenagers face.
In addition, pupils are engaged with a 30 minute movie called The Line, featuring stories about high school pupils and some of the dangers they face by ‘crossing the line’.
The campaign also provides support to pupils through Connect-Ed Buddy, an online guidance counselor that can be accessed by the youth via www.connectedbuddy.co.za or on Facebook.
The schools Connect-Ed visits are given 200 free copies of the Connect-Ed book, the first South African book about teenage sexuality, created by the award-winning team Marina Coleman (author), and Sifiso Yalo (cartoonist).
“We urge teachers and parents to sign up their relevant schools by contacting Madeleine on 082 447 6842 or email to connect-ed@giacomo.co.za.
For more information about Connect-Ed, visit www.connect-ed.co.za.
