For the months of October, November, and December, Pioneers Youth has selected 'Sex Education in South Asia' as the organization's monthly theme. Despite progress globally, open and informed conversations about reproductive health and sexuality remain largely taboo across much of South Asian society. This leads to concerning public health outcomes, as seen by the statistics - only 30% of young women in South Asia have comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention. Knowledge of contraceptive methods is equally poor, resulting in over 21 million unintended pregnancies annually and a high incidence of unsafe abortions. Sexually transmitted infections are also on the rise among youth populations.
Behind these statistics are systemic and sociocultural barriers that prevent effective sex education in South Asia. Discussion of premarital sex is seen as culturally inappropriate. Teachers are inadequately trained to educate on topics beyond basic biology. School curriculums either lack depth or skip sex education entirely. Misinformation and stigma thrive in this silence.
To spotlight these critical issues and amplify the need for open, fact-based sex education, Pioneers Youth has chosen this timely theme. The goals are multi-fold - fill information gaps among youth through well-researched reports, advocate for curriculum improvements, increase community engagement to reshape mindsets, and equip the next generation with essential knowledge for healthy behaviors and relationships. Pioneers Youth is committed to spurring a thoughtful public discourse on why sex education matters for South Asia's youth and future.
The Idea Bank to Release New Write-Ups Providing an In-Depth Look at Sex Education in South Asia
The research division of Pioneers Youth's Idea Bank will soon publish a series of analytical articles focused on the state of sex education across different South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. With limited formal sex education in most parts of the region, these write-ups will provide an in-depth look into the social taboos, lack of knowledge, and information gaps that exist. The articles will examine challenges like high teenage pregnancy rates, unsafe abortions, and STDs, as well as highlight progressive approaches some schools have adopted. Recommendations on how to improve sex education curriculums, increase teacher training, and get parents/communities involved will also be provided as part of the pieces. The Idea Bank publishes such youth-centered writeups monthly to bring critical social issues in South Asia to the forefront. These well-researched articles aim to educate young people on topics not covered adequately in schools and advocate for policy reforms that could lead to better reproductive health outcomes in the region.
The Idea Bank to Launch a Social Media Campaign to Spotlight Education and Inspire Youth to Take Action
Pioneers Youth is set to launch an impactful social media campaign that spotlights education issues and inspires youth across South Asia to take action. Aligned with the organization's central theme of 'Quality Education in South Asia', the campaign will leverage Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to create awareness and engagement among young people in the region. Creatively designed posts will highlight major problems like lack of access, school dropouts, high fees, and outdated teaching methods. The campaign will also profile inspirational stories of students/educators who have made a difference and share ways youth can get involved through volunteering, advocacy, political participation, and more. Given Pioneers Youth's large following and youth networks, the campaign has strong potential to reach hundreds of thousands of young people in South Asia and motivate them to address education challenges.
Project Akuru Heena to Provide Educational Aid and Awareness at Underserved Schools in Sri Lanka by the Sri Lankan Regional Working Committee
The Sri Lankan Regional Working Committee of Pioneers Youth will soon be commencing Project Akuru Heena to support the R/Bala/Rathanapala Vidyalaya school located in Attawakwala, Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of project chairperson Ama Premakeerthi and co-secretaries Hafsa Rizvi and Akarshana, the project aims to uplift underprivileged students at this rural school by providing educational materials, addressing basic needs, and conducting awareness sessions. Volunteers across logistics, finance, and public relations committees will support implementation in late December. Project Akuru Heena is part of Pioneers Youth's focus area of 'Quality Education in South Asia' - previous initiatives have included digitizing schools, sponsoring fees, and teacher training. Through on-ground efforts, the organization hopes to make a lasting improvement in learning environments for rural students in Sri Lanka.