At the beginning of the school year, Life Orientation for the Grade 7 class was one of the learning areas allocated to me. I usually enjoy teaching very much at this rural primary school, but this was a real challenge. The most challenging part was that I realised I was going to have to teach about human sexuality and reproduction, which is often awkward and controversial.
Because all my learning programmes are learner-centred, I asked my pupils to research the subject of human
sexuality and reproduction as a project at home. But when the time came for the project to be handed in, I was surprised to find that not one of the pupils had done the work. I went ahead with the information that I had, but it was really difficult to control the class that day. Learners were laughing uncontrollably. I realised very clearly that sex is still a taboo subject to many communities.
The next day some angry parents came to talk to the principal, demanding to know if what I was teaching was part of the
curriculum.
I wonder what is happening at other primary schools in Limpopo province.
Mashudu Lifhiga, Limpopo