Investing in Adolescents' Health and Rights

Institutionalizing Population Studies and Sexual Health Education through the Formal and Non-formal Education System (LAO/02/P04)

The Context

Children and young people constitute 62% of the Lao population. Although the enrolment rate is high (80% in 2001), many students drop out after three years of primary education or repeat grades, and the disparities between boys and girls are wide. According to the Lao National Literacy Survey 2001, only 51% of the population aged 15-24 can be considered literate (60% male, 45% female). Also, the same survey found that 38% of non-formal education students attain basic literacy. These young people are one of the groups vulnerable to a range of issues including HIV/AIDS, STIs, unwanted pregnancy, drug use and sexual exploitation, yet they lack access to information on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). UNFPA began its support to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to introduce population education into both formal and non-formal education systems in 1995 and sexual and reproductive health in 1997. Together with UNICEF and GTZ, the MoE developed prototype curricula, teaching materials and ways to integrate population, drug prevention, HIV/AIDS and sexual and RH concerns and life skills into formal and non-formal education in the general school curriculum and non-formal education programme. The MoE plans to integrate these subjects in the national school curriculum nationwide by the end of 2006.

The Project

The project aims to:

•  Increase the knowledge of students in primary (upper grades) and secondary schools and non-formal education participants in population issues, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, drug prevention and life skills in selected provinces; and

•  Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Education in planning, management, implementation and monitoring population and sexual and reproductive health education programmes at different learning settings.

The project focuses on addressing the quality of teaching at classroom level and community learning centres, capacity building of trainers and teachers, and monitoring and supervision. UNFPA and UNICEF collaborate closely and prepare a combined budget and review jointly.

Update on Achievements

•  In 58 districts targeted, 22% of primary and 56% of secondary schools are covered, and their teachers trained in the subjects and the use of teaching materials.

•  Approximately 244,600 students from upper primary and secondary schools in the project areas (57%) are taught on population issues, SRH, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and life skills in 2004.

•  Teacher's guide and student textbooks were developed, printed and distributed as supplementary curricula in these schools.

•  The subjects of SRH, population education, HIV/AIDS and life skills were included in the curriculum of eight Teachers Training Colleges and model schools.

•  A joint assessment by MoE/UNICEF/UNFPA on the teaching and learning quality in RH/PopEd/HIV/AIDS/life skills took place in 2004. The results are being analysed.

Official Facts

Site: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province , Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Xiengkhouang, Oudomxay, Khammuane, Savannakhet, Champassack, Saravane

Duration: 2002-2006

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF

Financial Facts

UNFPA: US$ 600,000

Government: US$ 100,000

Total Budget: US$ 700,000

(UNICEF: $400,000)