Issue on table:

Some people argue that children have full access to contraceptives such as pills and condoms. They have even proposed that parents pack them for their children as they return to school all in a bid to reduce on unwanted pregnancies and infections. The Education Times took this debate to the students of ESSA Nyarugunga and brings you some of their views.

Frank Katuhairwe

I think packing contraceptives can be a good gesture signifying the importance of safe sex. Although some things are often kept from the kids, there are girls who use contraceptives while still at school. The earlier parents open up the better.

Didas Higiro

With boys, you can’t stop them from doing anything so I believe giving them condoms will help them understand why protection is essential.

Asmat Cyusa

It’s not right to give students contraceptives because it will promote promiscuity. It is like giving your children the green light to go and misbehave at school. I think abstainance should still be promoted because it is still the safest method of protection.

Ronald Nkurunziza

It is not good to pack for students condoms. Students should only think about books while at school. There is every time for everything so why should children be rushed into sex? They should only be helped to concentrate on the things that matter.

Devine Umuhoza

Even if you don’t pack them, they are sold everywhere so an interested student can always buy contraceptives although many would fear to be seen purchasing them. The danger of this is that they will most likely engage in unprotected sex.

Diane Niyigyena

Packing contraceptives for students can help in reducing on the rate of infections. It may no sound good to moralists but that is what I think.Even if you don’t give students the contraceptives they will still get them anyway.

Comments, photos by Solomon Asaba