jamarchUniversity students cry that “We need a change, why does the government give us the right to have sex before we become adults?” was the note on which the second Yute X conference, being staged by the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) ended.
They argued that if a person at age 17 engaged in sexual intercourse, that person is within his/her rights, while at the same time not being recognised as an adult, the youth questioned “then who is that person?”
The youths used the issue of increase levels of sexual activity in schools and the potential breeding ground for the contract and spread of sexually transmitted diseases as the platform for clear policy direction from government.
Youths questioned what they call “the government’s inertia regarding the issue of condoms in schools versus abstinence”. Many called for condoms to be ‘immediately’ issued in schools.
Still, many gathered decried the suggestion claiming that issuing condoms will heighten sexual activities in schools.
Meanwhile, participants from Bridgeport High brought to the fore “the lack of teacher training on how to effectively deal with sexual issues affecting students”.
Conference chairman, Richardo Williams called for “a more efficacious policy from the Ministry of Education”.
Media Writer
