The SHARP Programme (Sensible, Healthy and Responsible People)
Logo: Sharp - Sensible, Healthy and Responsible People
‘Sharp’ or ‘Sharp, sharp’ is a township slang expression of well-being, confidence, agreement or farewell – as in “How’s it? – Sharp’ or I’ll see you tomorrow! – Sharp, sharp!’
A ‘thumbs up’ symbol of a clenched palm with a raised thumb above the AIDS ribbon is suggested to represent a successful response by teenagers to the HIV/AIDS threat.
Sensible, healthy and responsible people in secondary schools, able to develop satisfying relationships and avoid sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy. The programme envisages:
· School sexuality education by community youth
· Sexual and reproductive health care at clinics twinned with schools (as a related programme: refer to Appendix 1)
To educate secondary school
youth to manage their sexuality responsibly by recruiting, training and
deploying
community youth as full-time sexuality educators, guided by the school guidance counsellor
in consultation with the district master trainers and SAPLER field managers.
To minimise sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy among learners (and educators) in
secondary schools by building partnerships between schools and clinics to ensure access to
friendly and effective sexual health care.
To expand the SHARP programme to the status of a provincial and ultimately national project.
To secure funding for the successful implementation of the project.
To create an ethos within communities that will encourage them to take responsibility for teenage behaviour.