In a concerted effort to combat the escalating issue of teenage pregnancy and bolster child adolescent health skills in the educational system, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), in partnership with the National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage, recently concluded a day-long stakeholder engagement at Roman Catholic Primary School for Boys in Pujehun.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of participants, including heads of schools, school management committees, parents, youths, and inter-religious councils, among others. The event aimed to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Pujehun and neighboring districts, such as Koindugu.

Mahawa Abibatu Koroma, Consultant for Child Adolescent Health and a representative of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education emphasized the importance of targeting key stakeholders to contribute to child and adolescent health and life skills as part of the curriculum. The initiative focused on various aspects of young people’s well-being, including their sexuality, physical and emotional health, psychosocial development, and general interaction with others.

“Pujehun District was identified in the pilot phase due to alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancy, as revealed by statistics and research surveys conducted by UNFPA,” stated Mahawa. She highlighted that while poverty is often attributed as the root cause, other factors such as negative influences, peer groups, sexual gender-based violence, and poor community parenting also contribute significantly.

Abass Fowai, the Communication and Admin Assistant representing the National Secretariat for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage, emphasized the urgency of reintroducing Comprehensive Sexuality Education, now known as the School and Adolescent Life Skills Curriculum. This initiative aims to educate children from an early age, starting from class one and above, to provide them with the right information and deter early engagement in sexual activities. Abass confirmed the high rates of teenage pregnancy in Pujehun and Koindugu, with Pujehun leading in this alarming trend.

Tom Abu, a representative of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Pujehun, stated that the reintroduction of the Child Adolescent Health and Life Skills aspect in the curriculum is essential. He highlighted the need for parental, teacher, traditional leader, and religious leader involvement, aiming to address the missing elements in the family life cycle of children. The initiative will be implemented in six out of the fourteen chiefdoms in the district, targeting 25 schools to ensure a focused and impactful approach.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the Ministry and its partners to tackle the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and promote the overall well-being of children and adolescents in the region. The implementation of the School and Adolescent Life Skills Curriculum is expected to pave the way for a healthier, more informed generation, empowering them to make responsible life choices.