THE EDITOR, Sir:THIS IS in response to the article entitled 'Many parents in the dark on sex' dated Tuesday November 16, 2004. A comprehensive and extensive programme does exist for teaching parents how to talk to their children about sex. This initiative however needs a constant system of support from relevant stakeholders and government. Parents are the first avenue of learning and development so this needs to be addressed. The Parent Education Programme implemented by FAMPLAN Jamaica, based in St. Ann's Bay and Planned Parenthood of Nassau County, New York, has served such a need and so can be replicated across Jamaica.
Over a two-year period 30 parents were trained and educated on issues of sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, sexual abuse, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. They then went into different communities in the parishes of St. Ann, Trelawny and St. Mary, disseminating relevant information and conducting sessions to aid parents in communicating better to their children on sexuality.
Since its inception the Parent Education Programme (PEP) has reached over 14,000 people. Several interventions have come out of the programme. The parents educated not only experienced dramatic changes in their family relationships but also in their personal development. Participants are now able to understand their sexuality and thus feel more comfortable discussing with children issues related to sex.
Through a collective effort, Planned Parenthood of Nassau County and FAMPLAN Jamaica will pledge our support in aiding in the establishment of Parenting Education Programmes across Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
KRISTINA YAPP-CHANG
famplan@anngel.com
