KIT Institute is conducting a study, commissioned by UNESCO, on young people’s perspectives on school-based education for health and well-being, including sexuality education. Sexuality education has major positive health and social outcomes for adolescents and young people. Yet, research that focuses on their experiences with such education remains limited. KIT Institute is partnering with young researchers and established SRHR organisations from across the globe to find out about adolescents and young people’s needs, experiences, and satisfaction with school-based sexuality education.

The research gap

So far, only few studies that focus on adolescent and young people’s experiences with sexuality education have been conducted. Most of these studies have been carried out in high income countries, and even fewer in low- and middle-income countries. To address this research gap, the current study aims to analyse the needs, perspectives, and experiences of adolescents and young people in relation to school-based sexuality education across the globe, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. We will do this through a rapid literature review synthesising the results from available studies and primary data collection including six qualitative country case studies and a global online survey engaging adolescents and young people (10-24 years).

A youth participatory approach

To make this study a success, KIT Institute is partnering with young researchers in all countries where this study will be conducted: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, and Trinidad & Tobago. Together, we will design, conduct, and disseminate the study. The 1-year project starts with a kick-off workshop in Amsterdam, where we will co-create the research approach and methodology, using youth-friendly and innovative research methods. With support from KIT Institute staff, young researchers will carry out qualitative data collection, analysis, and validation activities in the six countries.  Alongside these efforts, a global online survey will be developed, together with RNW, to capture young people’s needs and preferences around school-based sexuality education.