Delivery of comprehensive sexuality education in non-conventional settings during COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries

Case Studies & Research
Amsterdam
Share-Net Netherlands
2020
19 p.

The aim of this knowledge paper is to collect and synthesise emerging evidence, strategies and lessons learnt from CSE delivery in non-conventional settings in low- and middle-income countries. Also, this paper contributes to the documentation of online SRHR service delivery during COVID-19. The paper concludes with key recommendations for diversified channels of CSE delivery that can complement conventional classroom-based CSE, thereby creating a more adaptive, resilient and complete package for CSE delivery, now and beyond COVID-19. Thus, this paper serves as a resource, inspiration and building block for CSE policy, programming and delivery. During the worldwide restrictions imposed during COVID-19, such as lockdowns and the closing of schools, it was difficult to reach young people face-to-face in conventional settings. Therefore, many creative strategies, channels and media were used to keep delivering CSE and reaching young people. This paper is based on seven case studies, from Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, and Malawi. In these countries, different NGOs have found creative ways to deliver CSE through, for example, radio or WhatsApp. During the pandemic, it is important to keep delivering CSE, because the restrictions have affected the lives of young people worldwide in various ways. Experts have, for example, reported more cases of domestic violence, sexual violence, teenage pregnancies and child marriages. But also mental health issues, loneliness, dating problems and stress-related issues came up. The need for CSE is thus still evident, if not heightened, during the COVID-19 crisis. The paper summarises the cases on CSE delivery in non-conventional settings, discussing the following questions and discussion points: Where and which organisation?; Which medium was used?; How was CSE delivered exactly?; Lessons learned, challenges and findings; and Questions, uncertainties and issues.

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