Life orientation teachers’ perspectives on intersectoral collaboration management of sexuality education

Abstract

Background: According to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, sexuality education (SE) requires building a multisectoral team and developing an operational plan. Hence, teaching comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders is a managerial approach to provide school-going adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions that will safeguard their health. Aim: To report on Life Orientation (LO) teachers’ perspectives on intersectoral collaboration management of SE in secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa. Setting: Four selected secondary schools in the sub-district of uMhlathuze, KZN. Methods: The study employed a qualitative design. The population of this study comprised of 16 LO teachers who were selected by means of homogeneous sampling through focus group discussions. Emerging patterns were observed once the data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed that schools were not being supported in the management of intersectoral collaboration in SE implementation in secondary schools in KZN province, South Africa. Conclusion: The results made it evident that more needs to be done to enhance and fortify intersectoral collaboration management to strengthen CSE in secondary schools. Contribution: The study recommended innovative and improved SE programmes and projects throughout the implementation and evaluation process to identify successes and promptly correct errors, to guarantee appropriate coordination of intersectoral collaboration management.

Keywords

• adolescent
• adolescent sexuality
• reproductive health
• implementation
• intersectoral collaboration
• lo teachers
• sexuality education