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"I had a negative perception towards sexuality education, deeming it taboo to teach and discuss, fearing it would encourage sexual activity among learners. However, equipped with the pedagogical knowledge and skills gained from the training, and recognizing the benefits of imparting critical life skills information, I am now committed to becoming a champion and advocate for life skills education," expressed Ms. Hellen Keller Akengo, a tutor at Soroti Core Primary Teachers' College (PTC).

Keller was among a group of sixty selected education actors, including pre-service teachers and tutors, who attended a three-day participatory workshop from 27-30 May. Organized with UNESCO support and held at the National Teachers' College Mubende, the workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of teacher trainers and pre-test the life skills and health education manual. This tool is expected to simplify and enhance the delivery of sexuality education in educational institutions across the country. This initiative follows a similar event in December 2023 that targeted secondary education.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and USAID, over 77% of Uganda's population under the age of 25, the country faces significant challenges in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. The survey reveals that, about 7.3 million Ugandans are under 25, and one in four girls aged 15-19 is either pregnant or has given birth. The lack of access to sexual and reproductive health information and services has accelerated teenage pregnancy rates, increased HIV transmission among adolescents, and led to higher school drop-out rates among girls. These issues highlight the urgent need to fast-track the integration of life skills education to address the critical needs of Uganda's youth.

Since the launch of the National Sexuality Education Framework (NSEF) in 2018, notable progress has been made in integrating sexuality education into the educational system. Key interventions have included advocacy and lobbying efforts with policymakers and civil society organizations (CSOs) to support the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Commitment. Additionally, journalists have been trained on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) issues, and extensive training has been provided for curriculum developers, teacher educators, and pre-service teachers in sexuality education.

However, despite these efforts, the implementation has faced several uncoordinated initiatives, underscoring the need for a systematic approach to ensure universal access to sexuality education for all eligible learners. The primary aim of these initiatives is to build the capacity of tutors and teachers, both pre-service and in-service, in life-skills-based sexuality education with the intention of improving their pedagogical skills to deliver the messages effectively to learners.

Teddy Chimulwa, Education for Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer, underscored the vital connection between health and education: "Quality education is unattainable if our children and school stakeholders are not healthy. Therefore, health and wellbeing are paramount priorities for the government. These health and wellbeing materials are instrumental in enhancing the health and wellbeing of both our learners and teachers." Chimulwa affirmed UNESCO's commitment to pursuing a system-strengthening approach to ensure holistic support for education and wellbeing initiatives.

The workshop addressed a wide range of topics within the NSEF, emphasizing four thematic areas: sexuality and human development, relationships, sexual health, and rights. Critical topics covered included the structure of life skills and health education modules, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), SRHR referral pathways, and linkage systems between schools and health facilities. Additionally, the workshop focused on menstrual health and hygiene, and pregnancy prevention, with a strong emphasis on abstinence.

At the close of the workshop, the teacher educators formulated action plans to enhance the delivery of sexuality education at their respective institutions, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the program.