In recent training with over 300 teenagers, the majority of whom are sexually active (read one of my previous posts on Teenagers Have Sex) I was impressed with their knowledge about HIV and AIDS. I must acknowledge that a lot of communities, NGOs, schools, churches and the like, are discussing life skills, STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and HIV and AIDS.
The pint-sized condom called Hotshot with the slogan “it fits when passion hits” is aimed at male teens who are sexually active. They are only manufactured and available in Switzerland since March this year (2010).
There is a chapter in my book that remains very close to my heart and is my favourite. While doing my preliminary work on my book, picture the scene: big dining room table littered with hundreds of pieces of information, cartoons and content and out of all this chaos, my teenage daughter and her friends kept honing in on the information about condoms and resistance to using condoms. I use this chapter in every training session that I do and honestly believe that this chapter can lead to behaviour change amongst both teenagers and adults.
Today (August 1st, 2010) was no exception – it was a small article, “Child Contraception Law sparks outrage”. The article pertains to changes set out in the new Children’s Act, implemented since April 1, 2010. It mentions that children from the age of 12 and older can make their own consented choices for medical treatment. In the area of contraception, condoms must be provided on request without parental or caregiver’s consent, to a child who is 12 or older.
Whenever you read an article or blog, the first few lines determines whether you will read, skim or discard it. I wish I could have come up with a ‘Kick ass’ one-liner but I am afraid I had to borrow it. So here it is: “If I was supposed to be circumcised, I would have been born like that.” (Bheka Msomi – Beat it, 2010).