Sex Education Among The Youth In Redeemed Gospel Church In Mathare Settlement Area In Nairobi County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Sex education among the youth as been researched on in several churches in Kenya, however, little has been done on what influences the youth into sexual immorality in Redeemed Gospel Church in Mathare Informal Settlement Area in Nairobi County. Mathare Informal Settlement Area has eight Redeemed Gospel Churches which have sex education programmes for the youth. Nonetheless, analysis has shown that youth involvement in sexual immorality is still rampant. This is characterized by the presence of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS among the Christian youth. This study was a response to this situation. The main research question the thesis sought to answer was why these sexuality related issues are rampant among the youth in RGC despite the presence of youth sex education programmes. To answer this question the researcher conducted interviews with youth, clergy and parents from Redeemed Gospel Church in Mathare Informal Settlement Area in Nairobi County. The youth filled questionnaires, parents and clergy were interviewed. The researcher also conducted several focus group discussions with the youth and gained additional literature from library research. The study addressed three objectives: first, to analyze Redeemed Gospel church programmes on youth sex education. Second, to establish the response of youth to sex education programmes in Redeemed Gospel Church in Mathare Informal Settlement Area. Lastly, come up with appropriate strategies that would help RGC to improve on teaching sex information to its youth. Two theories were employed; Script and Acculturation. Further, the study used qualitative research and stratified sampling. The study targeted the Christian youth, their parents and the clergy. Out of this target population a sample of 64 teens, 40 parents, 8 deacons, 4 pastors, 4 Sunday school teachers and 1 bishop were selected as respondents. The research used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through interview schedules, focus group discussion and questionnaires. Secondary data was gathered through library research. The data was analyzed qualitatively and it helped the researcher to develop strategies that would help the church improve its teaching on sexuality among Christian teenagers. In the introduction, the researcher shows why there is urgent need to teach sexuality to the youth. Moreover, the study presents a deeply done literature review based on the objectives. Results, conclusions and suggestions are drawn based on the findings of the study. It is hoped that the study will benefit other scholars, religions and religious institutions, governments and countries in coming up with sound policies and programmes to address youth sex education.