What This Means
This research evaluated a large-scale programme called 'Our rights, Our lives, Our future' that worked from 2018 to 2022 to improve school-based sexuality education across 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a combination of document reviews, focus groups with students, teachers, and parents, and in-depth interviews with policymakers and stakeholders in 10 countries, the researchers assessed what the programme achieved and what challenges remained. They found that the programme successfully helped keep sexuality education on government agendas at a time when opposition to it was growing, and it supported meaningful progress in developing and adopting official school curricula on the topic.
However, the research also identified persistent barriers to actually delivering sexuality education effectively in classrooms. Teachers frequently lacked the skills or confidence to teach the subject well, and some held negative attitudes toward it. Parents and community members often did not support sexuality education, which further undermined teachers' ability to deliver lessons. These barriers were consistent across multiple countries and settings, suggesting they are widespread challenges rather than isolated problems.
This research suggests that achieving lasting improvements in adolescent sexual and reproductive health through school-based education requires more than just developing good curricula — it also demands ongoing training and support for teachers, community engagement to build parental acceptance, and sustained political advocacy to maintain government commitment in the face of opposition. The findings point to the importance of involving young people themselves, alongside parents, teachers, and policymakers, in designing and sustaining sexuality education programmes.