SCHOOL TALKS ON RAPE

Compiled by Annesta Hofer
Awareness for schools
Resource: International HIV/Aids Alliance-2008

It is very important we keep learning from young people about the reality of their lives, and the things that protect them and put them at risk.

1. Introduction:

The school must be a healthy and supportive environment for learners and teachers. The school as part of the community surrounding must promote health in the community as well as in the school.

2. Talking about rape in the class room:
When the school teaches sexuality/rape, it is very important to involve the whole school in the program. The staff, board, learners, role players and especially parents/guardians must be informed and included in the planning of these sessions. The school needs a policy about teaching sexuality/rape so that everyone agrees with what is taught and supports each other. The policy should also state how learners are to be protected from abuse and harm in and out of school and what behavior is expected of teachers and learners. The school must invite local leaders, health staff, volunteers, peer educators and relevant NGO's to bring in extra expertise and specialized skills. The school may also ask a NGO to monitor the relevant topic/discussion and to provide feedback to teachers and allows them to improve their lessons and skills.

3. The Child:
It is important to realize that every child in the class already has some ideas, beliefs and information about rape. They however receive messages from too many different sources of information, which can be contradictory and young people need opportunities to assess which are true and to discuss different points of view.

It is very important to learn from young people about the reality of their lives and the things that protect them and put them at risk, and how they are using what they learn from the life skill program. This way we can design relevant lessons based on learners own life experiences. Caring attitudes towards children will help us to understand their needs better.

4. Some ideas for discussing rape:

• Put an anonymous question box in the class room and invite learners to put all their questions, worries and stories into the box without putting their names. Discuss these questions then in the class.
• Understand the learners hopes and fears and how they would like the subject to be taught.
• Listen to learners in and out of class, they do talk about rape and sexual assault and try to learn more about their needs.
• Create a caring and safe environment in class so that learners feel free to express themselves without fear of bullying, harassment or punishment.
• Be trustworthy, supportive, friendly and understanding to learners so that they are able to open up. Play a caring, parental role when rape is discussed and not a authoritarian and judgmental role.
• Encourage learners to talk about private things as though they happened to others (this will ensure confidentiality in class).
• Participatory activities can be used and role-plays, storytelling and songs can be effective, but never with learners having to tell their own personal stories or learners who have to imagine that they have been raped or abused. Rather have group discussions on ways to achieve hope, reduce fear, and to talk about self protection techniques.
• Use the "Around the Circle" technique by asking for brief comments from each learner on a single question, going around in class. Example - What new lesson have you learned regarding rape? Or- If you discover that your friend was raped, what can you do to help her?
• Use the "One word Feelings" technique, by asking each learner to think of one work that expresses how she/he feels about rape.
• Use the "Task Group" technique where the learners are divided into groups and each group have to discuss a different aspect of the lesson and these groups will later evaluate their own discussions as well. Discussion groups can deal with issues such as " what will the feelings be of a person going through sexual assault" " why does men rape?", " Can a man get raped?" "what is the medical consequences of rape?" "Where can a person get help after a rape?" "Will the person go the court" "Is there different types of rape and different types of rapists?" what is the legal definition of rape?" " Is the girl who have been raped every responsible for rape (clothes, dark places etc. )?"

5. The role of the facilitator:

• To encourage the participation of learners, help them to work well together and ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
• To facilitate activities in order to achieve the objectives of the lesson by providing information and guidance. The facilitator must prepare a good lesson on rape with clear objectives on what she/he wants to achieve and clearly defined questions. She/He must have done research and must now the most relevant information on rape and sexual assault, she must help the class to stay focused and give learners tasks appropriate to their level. She/He needs to report back, analyze the results of discussions and be creative.

Advice for the Facilitator:

• Respect that younger people have their own ideas, experiences and abilities.
• Listen to their concerns with respect and take them seriously.
• Accept that the topic is sensitive and that they have the right to participate or not to participate at all.
• Help them to think, decide, plan and act with the support of others.
• Help them to trust their own ideas and ability and challenge them to think more deeply of people that go through rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Be tolerant, patient and supportive.

What not to do:

• See yourself as the expert, the only one with ideas and experience.
• Try to solve their problems without their inputs.
• Criticize or make fun of their views.
• Make them dependent on your advice
• Talk too much and not give them a change to talk.

If facilitators ask good questions regarding rape, it will get everyone talking and giving opinions. Questions are the main tool for building participation and reaching objectives. Keep the questions simple and easy to understand. Listening is as important as asking questions. It is only by listening that we can understand our learners and respond to their needs. Listening makes learners feel more valued. Also pay attention to body language, facial expressions, side conversations and the flow of discussions in order to test the climate.

6. Groups:
Putting boys and girls in separate groups for discussions on rape is very important. They may be embarrassed to talk about the topic together or they have very different views. Boys and girls must do activities separately and then only share what they wish in class.

7. Benefits of effective talks on rape/sexual assault:
After participating in rape/sexual assault lessons it is hoped that young people will have the motivation, knowledge, virtues and skills to:

• Develop high self esteem and self-worth.
• Understand sexuality is a natural and positive part of life if done in the correct manner.
• Talk about sexual assault in a safe and comfortable way.
• Have accurate and comprehensive information about rape, sexual assault, sexual health and rights, including HIV and Aids information.
• Practice life-skills such as communication, empathy, assertiveness, making informed and responsible decisions, solving problems and thinking critically.
• Show understanding, tolerance, respect, kindness and courage for survivors of rape.
• Be aware of their rights and promote their fulfillment.
• Grow up with more equal and caring gender relations.
• Seek effective help at the correct resources.
• Co-operate with others and contribute to crating a caring environment in and out of school, where young people are protected from sexual assault and other forms of abuse.

Compiled by Annesta Hofer-CEO-GRIP