Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – Mpheng Molapo from the Learner Care and Welfare Support Unit at the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) last week shared persistent challenges in ensuring the comprehensive training for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) learners across the country.
MoET shared the aim to train teachers and students on SRHR matters, by effectively equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to support learners on these issues.
These challenges were tabled before the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting supported by the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the inclusion of the SRHR in the national budget.
Molapo said the MoET’s SRHR initiatives are designed not only to inform but to protect and empower young people, offering them a holistic understanding of reproductive health and HIV prevention and awareness.
However, she said they are confronted with financial challenges to fully realize this initiative, pointing out that MoET cannot fully advance SRHR due to budget cuts that have led to significant reductions in teacher training programmes.
Without adequate resources, teachers are less capacitated to support learners in making informed decisions regarding their reproductive health thus impacting both students and the broader educational system.
“Without adequate funding, training programmes for teachers are reduced or eliminated, resulting in a lack of knowledge and skills to effectively address SRHR issues”. She noted that this shortfall extends beyond financial resources, with human resources also being stretched thin, further hindering the implementation of SRHR initiatives.
Lack of comprehensive SRHR education leaves society vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, health risks, and limited understanding of HIV prevention and treatment options. MoET highlights that insufficient funding diminishes the reach and impact of these initiatives.
She further explained, “Investing in robust SRHR and HIV/AIDS initiatives is not just a moral obligation, it is essential for fostering a safe, inclusive, and productive education for our world.” Addressing these gaps, she argued, is crucial to protect the well-being of all learners and ensure the MoET’s commitment to quality education.
She talked of the necessity of a supportive network, saying the MoET plans to create networks for schools and local health facilities. This link’s purpose is to ensure that learners have access to resources and referrals, such as counselling centres and support services for those facing gender-based violence (GBV) and unintended pregnancies.
MoET is reportedly going to introduce a Health and Nutrition Policy and GBV Response Guidelines to address and report GBV cases effectively within schools. These instruments are designed to ensure that schools can identify and respond to incidents, providing a safe learning environment for all students.
She said the Cabinet had in September, approved the prevention and management framework for learner pregnancies. Under this framework, pregnant learners will receive health support during pregnancy, allowing them to continue their studies and prevent educational disruption. The policy will be distributed widely, ensuring all stakeholders and beneficiaries are thoroughly informed of its provisions.
MoET also advocates for a resource and referral directory at schools, linking students to local health facilities, counselling centers, and other support organizations. This approach is expected to increase SRHR knowledge among learners, providing them with the guidance they need to make healthy choices.
Meanwhile, the NWC meeting highlighted the critical need for SRHR funding to be prioritized in the national budget. Attendees urged parliament to consider these budgetary needs to enhance SRHR programmes.