Sex education taboo hinders HIV, drug awareness in Fiji schools

Experts are voicing significant concerns that the topic of sex education remains largely taboo in many Fijian communities. This cultural sensitivity creates substantial barriers to effective HIV and drug awareness programs within schools. Recent findings from Medical Services Pacific's survey highlight the urgency, revealing that children as young as 10 are already being affected by issues related to these topics.

Educators emphasize the critical need for early, age-appropriate sex education. Makelesi Soqosoqo, Assistant Head of School at Delainamasi Government School, stated that hiding from these realities is not an option. "We found out that we cannot hide from this. Children also have some information about it and it’s only proper that we come in quickly and give them the best information that we can offer," she explained. This approach aims to equip children with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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We found out that we cannot hide from this. Children also have some information about it and it’s only proper that we come in quickly and give them the best information that we can offer.

Creating safe and open environments for discussion is paramount, according to Dan Vakamoce, Assistant Principal at Nasinu Secondary School. He observed that students often step outside their comfort zones to share their thoughts and concerns once they feel secure. "There’s something that we’ve noticed is that students, they come out of their comfort zone. For us iTaukei we know it’s a taboo, you can’t share that. But for them, once they mingle with their peers, they come out and they share what they think is appropriate," Vakamoce noted.

Amid ongoing concerns about HIV awareness, educators are urging parents to engage in open, age-appropriate conversations with their children. This collaborative effort between schools and families is seen as essential to strengthening awareness initiatives and ensuring that young people receive accurate information. The challenge lies in navigating deep-seated cultural norms while addressing the pressing health education needs of the youth.

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There’s something that we’ve noticed is that students, they come out of their comfort zone. For us iTaukei we know it’s a taboo, you can’t share that. But for them, once they mingle with their peers, they come out and they share what they think is appropriate.