[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is working to cultivate a deeper understanding of human sexuality as an essential element of human rights and healthy social relationships.
This is according to GRPA’s Executive Director Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth while delivering remarks at the 40th Annual General Meeting on Friday (November 29).
“We are working to strengthen our engagement with schools and community organizations on Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education, encouraging a shift to a more healthy conversation, which celebrates sexuality and fosters a sexual ethic, which is focused more on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth told the gathering.
The Executive Director added that one of the biggest misconceptions that people have of sexuality education is that if you provide this kind of education to an adolescent, they are going to want to have sex earlier.
She in turn argued that this is not the case; rather it has been noted that adolescents and youths who are better educated on these issues are likely to delay their sexual initiation and be better able to make wise choices.
Sheerattan-Bisnauth said they are also likely to not suffer the same consequences as those who lack this vital information and support.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsarran congratulated the organization while outlining efforts by the Ministry of Health to address maternal mortality and recognized the important role of civil society organizations.
He called on GRPA to expand its services to rural and hinterland communities and to engage in widespread, education and awareness.
GRPA was established in 1973 with the primary aim of enabling women to have access to Family Planning information and services and to lift up this issue as important for Guyana.
