AIDS EDUCATION

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Education if he will include a component on AIDS education in the sex education curriculum of secondary schools to raise the awareness of the young to this potential threat.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: The subject of AIDS is taught in various Science and Moral Education subjects in the curriculum. Lower Secondary Science, a compulsory subject for all pupils, teaches the consequences and issues relating to pre-marital sex. There are lessons on the harmful consequences of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and AIDS. In the Upper Secondary Biology syllabus, the spread of HIV and methods by which it may be controlled are discussed. The Human and Social Biology syllabus elaborates on the signs and symptoms and causes of AIDS as well as its spread and control. AIDS is also taught in the Secondary 5 Civics and Moral Education (CME) syllabus under the broad theme of "Responsible Dating". Pupils discuss the consequences of premarital sex such as contracting STDs and AIDS. Talks on STDs and AIDS are also regularly conducted by the School Health Service of the Ministry of Health to pupils in Secondary 3 and JC1.

Presently, MOE is developing a more holistic approach to sexuality education, building on what is already covered in the existing curriculum and bearing in mind the different needs of students at different stages of growth and adolescence. A multimedia package is being produced which will examine concepts and attitudes in sexuality education in a structured manner. This will be used as part of guided discussions about responsibility, consequences and choices with respect to one's sexuality. Topics such as AIDS and STDs will be included in this package.

The successful implementation of sexuality education requires the participation and support of the school, home and community. All have different but important roles to play in the healthy development of our youths. Table - Number of Arrests from 1992 to 1999 (Cols. 199 - 200)