Reader: Were teachers properly trained to teach sex education?

TRAINING NEEDED. A balikbayan reacted to the government’s pilot program of teaching sex education to elementary students. The balikbayan, a retired teacher, read in the news that the program would include the science of reproduction, physical care and hygiene and the norms of interpersonal relations to avoid pre-marital sex. She said, “Properly trained ba kaha ning mga teachers to teach about sex education? Sensitive kaayo ning subject kay dali ra ma-influence ang mga bata.”

WRONG METHOD. This balikbayan said that a few years ago, when she was conducting health teachings in public schools, she would ask students if they already know the correct method of handwashing, a program that was pushed by the government. She said that many students were taught the wrong method of washing their hands. She said, “Gi ingnan kuno sila sa ilang teachers nga inig human og hugas sa kamot, i-wilik lang kuno ilang mga kamot. Susmaryosep, I was shocked! Simple procedure sa handwashing, masayop pa ang mga teachers. Unsa na lang kaha ning sex education nga mas sensitive nga subject.”