The Department of Basic Education has set the record straight with regard to the new Life Orientation Curriculum.
Initial reports suggested that Grade 4 learners would be learning about masturbation from next year.
In a statement released by the Department, the article published in a commercial newspaper on 12 May, was described as misleading and in fact, a complete misunderstanding of the work they are doing.
“It is unfortunate that the published article has caused unnecessary mass hysteria and confusion,” said Elijah Mhlanga, the spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education.
In his statement, Mhlanga put the following on record:
“The new Life Orientation textbook for Grade 4 currently being written does not cover masturbation.
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* The textbook content for sexuality education in this grade is guided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education: an Evidence-informed Approach, as well as by the input and guidance of highly respected South African research and evidence-based institutions.
*The Grade 4s will learn, in a most appropriate and sensitive way, how babies are made and encourages learners to share what celebrations they know of linked to welcoming children into the world, such as Imbeleko.
*The lesson set also covers being unique and special; healthy lifestyle choices with food and other substances; the importance of respecting each other and oneself, and understanding what a personal boundary is, as well as understanding the concept of privacy.
*Grade 4 learners will practice skills such as identifying safe and unsafe behaviours within the context of personal life, e.g. smoking, and crossing the road in a safe way, as well as behaviours that are healthy or unhealthy for the environment.
“Our Grade 4 learners are precious to everyone and we therefore urge the media to contact us in future for accurate information regarding the vital textbook project,” Mhlanga concluded.
