Association of Christian Educators in Malawi Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights Policy

Presentation Outline What is ACEM Background to the Policy Key findings in the Needs Assessment Policy Context Key components of the policy Policy Strategies/Approaches Other Policy Considerations on Approach Monitoring and Evaluation

What is ACEM ACEM is a corporate organization of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and the Malawi Council of Churches (MCC). Was formed in 1994 with a Mandate to coordinate education services of the membership on matters of common interest. It is a registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act and Council of Non-Governmental Organizations of Malawi (CONGOMA). ACEM coordinates over 60% of the primary schools and 33% of the secondary schools and all SNE institutions

Background to the Policy The policy emerges from issues that were raised from Situation Analysis (desk research), Needs assessment The national policy context The Situation Analysis was carried out in four thematic areas in groups of partner organizations The Needs Assessment (NA) was carried out by individual organizations in May NA was carried out in selected primary and secondary schools in Salima and Mchinji districts.

Key Findings from Needs Assessment Knowledge Few youths had knowledge on personal sex rights, There was low knowledge on how STIs are transmitted among the youth There was low knowledge on common STIs among the youth. Attitude: Some youths have a negative attitude towards use of condoms and as such fail use them

Key Findings from Needs Assessment (Cont’d) Skills: There was low level of assertiveness among the youth Few youths had the skill on how to use condoms. Behaviour There was low use of condoms among the youth, Few youths could go for SRHR services A high number of the youths were involved in love relationships High proportion of the youths were involved in sexual intercourse.

Policy Context Current strategic plan for ACEM has six pillars Advocacy, Quality Improvement, Training, Research and Documentation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Prevention and Mitigation of HIV among School children. ACEM has a strong partnership with Government Government is currently pursuing Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) in education development (Thus Malawi has one national plan and one monitoring and evaluation system for all education development activities)

Policy Context (continued) The Education SWAP focuses on Six pillars: Equitable Access, Quality and Relevance, Management and Governance. Key concerns on Equity are poverty, gender, rural location, special needs and orphanage One key concern on Access, is long distances to secondary schools especially among girls.

Policy Vision, Mission and Target Groups Vision Cost-effective coordination of SRHR services for holistic youth development in Malawi Mission To empower, proprietors of ACEM to provide holistic SRHR programmes through research, advocacy, capacity building and resource mobilization Target Groups Youths from primary to tertiary with a focus on girls All stakeholders in education

Policy Objectives 1.to study common SRHR related problems in member institutions hence ensure adoption of more effective SRHR solutions; 2.to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on all matters pertaining to SRHR in member institutions; 3. to assist the Government of Malawi in spelling out guidelines for SRHR education and in formulating SRHR policies; 4. to facilitate the provision of a balance between academic and practical skills on all matters pertaining to SRHR in member institutions; 5.to coordinate SRHR activities and interests of member institutions 6.to develop desirable SRHR characteristics among children and youths informed by values of the Kingdom of God

Strategies/ Approaches Train stakeholders (teachers, parents, church leaders, opinion leaders and community members) on SRHR issues Encourage talks between parents/guardians and the child on SRHR issues Lobby for inclusion of SRHR issues in the curriculum Develop and disseminate IEC materials on SRHR issues Establish and strengthen SRHR clubs in schools

Strategies/Approaches Cont’d Providing SRHR information services to the youths On dangers of premarital sex Guidance and counseling on delayed sex On rights and responsibilities on the dressing code On development of self esteem among the youths

Other Policy Considerations on Approach Diversification of approaches and messages for different groups: ACEM will use both formal and non-formal dissemination approaches while observing age and educational levels of the youths. Youth participation and involvement: ACEM will promote learner-centered approaches which encourage pupil participation ACEM will encourage learners to design roles and activities for their clubs. (e.g. AIDS Toto, YCS & SCOM)

Other Policy Considerations on Approach Use of positive approach of sexuality ACEM will use a positive approach through formal and non-formal curricula with a focus on A (Abstinence) and B (Being Faithful) in the A, B. C (Condom), D (Delayed sex) approach to HIV and AIDS. ACEM will however offer information on the C to married youths and/or those infected. Dealing with Social Norms in the community ACEM will promote social norms in conformity with Christian values e.g. discouraging teenage marriages

Other Policy Considerations on Approach Dealing with sensitive issues ACEM will use the formal and non-formal curricula to address sensitive issues. Age disaggregation will also be used Access to Counseling ACEM will use clubs in schools where patrons and matrons will facilitate counseling activities Interactive and Participatory Approaches Discussions, drama, role modeling and projects will be used to encourage interaction and participation Plans to have HIV/AIDS workplace policy ACEM plans to develop its workplace policy.

Monitoring and evaluation All programmes addressing the policy will be monitored by ACEM Secretariat with support from Monitoring & Evaluation (M& E) departments of Proprietors. ACEM will use both on-going and periodic monitoring approaches. ACEM Secretariat will be responsible for designing and coordinating of all monitoring and evaluation activities.

Thank You for your Attention May God Bless You