Release by Adv. André Gaum, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

I am concerned about the recent finding that teen sex is on the rise, as reported in the media this week.

Apart from the apparent dangers of a rise in irresponsible sexual activity among our young people, such as a rise in HIV-infections and other sexually transmitted diseases, this finding may indicate the further eroding of morals and values in our communities.

Although our department is playing a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS with our programmes, of which the primary aim is to delay sexual debut among young people, we realise that in many ways we cannot face the challenge alone.

Schools need the support and partnerships of various community networks such as social service -, developmental -, and religious organisations. At the core of the issue is the question of installing moral values in our children, which needs the collective effort of all sectors and role-players. Teaching about sexual responsibility is not enough. Learners need to be supported as comprehensively as possible by all involved in making these values part of their daily lives.

I therefore urgently call on all parents, schools, social services and religious networks to become involved with projects that teach responsible values to our children in their local communities.

We must continue the battle for a moral regeneration of all communities if we are to eradicate poverty and the effects of Aids in a sustainable manner. My department ensures that we do our part through Life Orientation programmes in our schools.

Through the Life Orientation Learning Area we intend teaching our young people the necessary values, ethics and skills that ensure responsible behaviour in relationships, whether they be sexual or not. There are specific components in the Life Skills (Foundation Phase) and Life Orientation learning areas (Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and FET band/ R550), that deal with reproductive health and sexuality education - not as an add-on or optional subject, but as a mandatory part of the curriculum.

In Grade R, the curriculum explains the right of children to say 'no' to sexual abuse, and describes ways in which to do so. In Grade 1, children are taught how to recognise situations that may be, or may lead to, sexual abuse, and names a person to whom this can be reported.

In Grade 7, learners discuss personal feelings, community norms, values and social pressures associated with sexuality. In Grade 9, they will critically evaluate resources on health information, health services and a range of treatment options, including HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department runs an extensive HIV/AIDS programme in schools, which deals with issues of sexuality in a variety of ways appropriate for the age group of the learners involved. (For further details on the HIV/AIDS programme, see the HIV/AIDS site on WCED Online ( http://wced.wcape.gov.za ).