ASSESSING THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS ON SEX EDUCATION IN THE GUMANI/NYANSHEGU CIRCUIT IN THE SAGNARIGU DISTRICT

Most young people are ignorant about issues of their sexuality (Alter, 2002). Studies aimed at improving the understanding of young people about their sexuality have mostly been targeted at young people themselves. This study sought to find out how teacher training influences sex education in basic schools and how this contributes to improvement in the sexual attitude of young people. The study explored how sexuality education is taught in basic schools, the adequacy of training teachers received on sexuality education, sources of information on sexuality education for young people and the challenges that hinder the teaching of sexuality education. The study which adopted the descriptive survey research design, used questionnaires as the main tool to collect both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. A sample of eighty three (83) respondents from ten (10) out of fifteen (15) basic schools in theGumani/ Nyanshegu circuit were involved in the study. Findings revealed inadequate continuous professional training for teachers to update their knowledge on sex education, inadequate initial training for teachers on sexuality education and socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices of a people affecting the ability of teachers in the teaching of sex education in school. The study recommends regular in-service training for teachers, inclusion of sex education in the curriculum for the initial training of teachers and in the basic school curriculum, as well as the provision of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) for involving sex education at the basic school level.