Over thirty-two per cent (32%) of Cameroon’s population is between the ages of 10 and 24 (Population Reference Bureau, 2013). This is one reason for the prioritisation of the health and well-being of this population group. Sexuality is a critical area of health and well-being that needs particular attention during adolescence. However, it is one of such domains with very limited evidence-based information and discussions on the area is very rare in many Cameroonian homes. This leaves young people vulnerable to sex-related problems. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV among adolescents between 2008 and 2012 stood at only 29.8% for males and 25.7% for females (UNICEF, 2013). UNFPA (2012) indicates that teenage pregnancy and childbirth is the number one killer for girls between 15 and 19. HIV prevalence stood at 1.0% and 1.8% respectively for boys and girls 15-24 years (UNCEF, 2012). There is also a high prevalence of early marriage estimated at 1 in every 3 girls before the age of 18 years (UNFPA, 2012).
Marinette, an 18-year-old student confirmed that the psychological, social and legal aspects of sexuality education were not taught in her college. She said that,
‘I knew what menstruation was, during my first experience. I felt awkward and knew nowhere to turn to. My grandmother told me that if I touched a boy, I would become pregnant. I felt even more awkward coming closer to boys.’ Marinette
During the radio programme, ‘Doctor on Call’ on Cameroon Radio and Television on 2nd October, 2016; featuring anchor lady, Alice Essambe Tatah and project manager, Desmond Nji, a teacher noted that:
‘Hello Madam, good morning to you and your guest. Honestly, your program is timely. I am in support of the notion that sex education should be included in the school programme. Madam, believe me; the rate of pregnancy among school girls is alarming. I invigiliated the General Certificate of Education June 2016 in one of the accomodation centers in the country and I noticed that about 100 girls of the form five class of that center where proudly pregnant.’ Uncle Tabe Tatoh.
Considering the massive gap in sexuality education as highlighted above, it becomes extremely critical to develop a framework to redress the problems of youth and sexuality using formal education systems in Cameroon.

The January 2007 Inter-ministerial Decree between the Ministries of Secondary and Basic Education endorsed Family Life Education in both primary and secondary schools in Cameroon. The Guidance/Counselling terms of reference, otherwise known as the syllabus includes some topics on sexuality apart from the anatomy usually taught in Biology and Human Biology lessons. However, the shallow content entails that the topics are not sufficiently covered with the breadth that sexuality education requires. Other important topics such as gender and human rights are yet to be elaborated.

There are definitely going to be ripple economic and social benefits when young people learn how to make informed decisions about their sexuality. This project identified a major problem as the inadequate sexuality education available to adolescents and it also proposed a strategy to solve the problem.

Thinking Around Sexuality Education

‘It is mainly a responsibility of the family to ensure that their adolescents have sound knowledge on their sexuality. The failure of many families to appropriately educate adolescents on their sexuality hugely favours the need for scientifically accurate, age-appropriate and relevant sexuality education to be taught in schools. In schools, young people spend a considerable time which permits them to form a society that is capable of hugely shaping their approach and responses to issues in the wider world. Equally, society suffers the effect of families not taking up this duty effectively, in a world of growing technology and media exposure. Therefore, families have also got to be aware. It is however, not a replacement of the family’s main responsibility.’

Desmond Nji