Bangalore: If you cannot solve a problem, sweep it under the carpet.

This seems to be the policy of the Karnataka Government over the introduction of sex education in schools.

Even as the contents of the teacher's manual of the programme has created a controversy, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has decided to "solve" the problem byscrapping the whole programme.

The teacher's manual for the programme was seen as inappropriate since it translated content for the United Nations Children's Fund mechanically rather than creatively adapt it for the Indian context.

Suggestion

Independent experts also suggested that other available material on adolescent education be studied and an appropriate module framed as part of "life skills training." Its focus on AIDS control, rather than life skill training, was also contentious.

But the decision of the Government to look upon the very idea of adolescent education as "scandalous" speaks volumes about the lack of will to genuinely address the issue. There is no alternative to a scientific sex education programme in schools, says K.S. Vimala of Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane.

"In this time and age we know how vulnerable children, especially young girls, are. We definitely need to create awareness and educate them," she says.

Former Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor and psychologist M.S. Thimmappa feels that we need a "comprehensive" sex education programme that introduces the "delicate matter in a holistic manner" that includes psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions.

These factors need to be taken into account because sex for a human being is not just a biological instinct, but one embedded in a sociological context.

He points out that the drive against teen pregnancy in the United States failed when emphasis was laid on the use of condoms. It did not help when the focus was shifted to abstinence as an alternative.

There are models of life skills programmes running successfully without any "embarrassment" for teachers or students.

Aditi Mallya International School, for instance, has life skill education as part of a larger programme of "personal, social and health education".

"This programme deals with many aspects of health, hygiene and conflict resolution.

"Sexuality is one aspect of it. Nothing can be taught without a context," says Geetha Narayanan, founder director of the school.

She sums up the need to be open to the idea of sex education: "After all we need to tell our children, don't we?"

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