Considered Taboo, Sintang Teens Receive Sexual Education

Selus (13) is one of the representatives of children from Sepauk District, Sintang Regency who was lucky enough to be selected to take part in sex education training for teenagers in Sintang held by Wahana Visi Indonesia for the Sintang Melawi Program Area. Selus was grateful, even though he was in a pandemic condition, he was able to gain new knowledge and meet his peers.

The youngest of five at first did not know much about sex education. However, after attending the training, his knowledge about sex increased. Selus was actively involved in group discussions. Even his group also discussed the issue of Sexually Transmitted Infections as a group topic.

"Illnesses caused by free sex are very scary and life-threatening," said Selus, sharing the knowledge he gained.

He also just found out that genital hygiene is also important. Genitals that are not cleaned properly can cause disease.

“This sex education training was very useful for me, I came to know that sex is not to be made a joke. This training also teaches the meaning of sexuality and the importance of protecting the reproductive organs,” he said.

In the past, Selus thought that sex was taboo to talk about, but now he knows that sex education needs to be studied to avoid its various dangers.

Selus felt happy and satisfied to be able to get a lot of information about sexual education directly from the resource persons. He felt that 3 days of training time was not enough to explore sexual education.

"I already know and will share with my friends about this sex education," concluded the child who likes fishing.

Selus and four of his friends who have attended this training are committed to retraining young people in their village. Selus hopes that his friends will know about sex education, know more about the reproductive organs and be able to protect themselves from the dangers of sex.

Written by: Sumarni, Staff of Melawi Sintang Area Program Wahana Visi Indonesia  
Translated by: Aqueta Alexandra Kroons, Intern Wahana Visi Indonesia