An investigation of teachers and students’ perceptions on sex education teaching in secondary schools in Tanzania: case Kibaha district and Temeke municipality

This study aimed at investigating the teachers and student’s perceptions on sex education in secondary schools in Tanzania, using the case of Kibaha District and Temeke Municipality. Three research questions guided the study, how much teachers are aware and knowledgeable about sex education and its teaching in secondary schools? What is the status of sex education in national curriculum materials? How do teachers and students perceive sex education in secondary schools? The study employed mixed method approach to bond the major parts of the study. Purposive sampling technique and simple random were used to select a District and municipal, four secondary schools and teachers and students. Questionnaire, observation, focus group discussion and document analysis were used to collect data in this study. However, quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer programme version 20 and thematic analysis approach were used for qualitative data. Findings show that teachers possess low knowledge and awareness about sex education and the ways to impart knowledge in students i.e. the use of strategies designed to personalize information and engage students that are often necessary for effective skill building or reflect to real life in young people due to inadequate training. Inadequate time allocated for sex education topics in secondary schools revealing likelihood of topics being covered in depth to enable students make informed decision and avoid teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Placement of sex education related topics in class level limits comprehensive sex education knowledge with consistence. However, though teachers and students realize that sex education is appropriate in increasing cognitive knowledge based on passing examinations and it is merely in the curriculum concerned with facilitating affective and behavioral change. The study recommends that teachers be trained in specific contents of sex education area to ensure that they become a source of correct information. And more is needed to ensure that all sex education topics are taught effectively. Religious groups and parents should be involved in provision of sex education because they are the ones who are close to the people of different ages as they can teach morals and ethics issues to abstain or delay sexual activity.