The role of schools as site for sexual health promotion has been widely acknowledged. Studies
have shown that the education sector has a strong potential to make a difference in the fight
against HIV and AIDS. Comprehensive sexuality education programs are known to delay
initiation of sex, reduce number of sexual partners and increase the use of condoms and other
forms of contraceptives. The aim of this study was to establish the attitude and perception of
teachers to sexuality education in senior secondary schools in Gaborone, Botswana. This was a
cross-sectional, quantitative study aimed at establishing the knowledge and attitudes of 25,
randomly selected teachers to sexuality education in secondary schools of Gaborone, Botswana.
The survey was conducted using a self-administered, closed-ended, structured questionnaire. Out
of 25 respondents, 14 were males and 11 females. The mean age was 44.5years. Eighty percent
were married and 20% single. The levels of education of respondents were (60%) with a
bachelors’ degree in education, 20% with diploma, 12% with masters’ degree and 8% with
certificate in education. Majority (80%) agreed that sexuality education was appropriate and a
high proportion of respondents (97%) were willing to teach sexuality education. A greater
number of respondents (72%) indicated that sexuality education should include contraceptives,
but 64% were of the view that condoms should not be made available to students in secondary
schools. Ninety-two percent agreed that sexuality education delays sexual debut and all
respondents agreed that sexuality education increases awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Overwhelming number of respondents (96%) agreed that sexuality education promotes condom
use. Only forty-four percent indicated that the current school curricula were appropriate for
teaching sexuality education. Majority (68%) indicated that the school curricula do not cover
topics on abortion and communication and negotiation skills to reduce risks for HIV, other
sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The major barriers to sexuality education are
culture (60%) and lack of training (24%).Majority of teachers (64%) indicated that they were not
trained to teach sexuality education. Teachers in Gaborone secondary schools are knowledgeable
on sexuality education and their attitude and perception of sexuality education are mostly
positive. Culture and lack of training are the major barriers to teaching sexuality education in
secondary schools. Teachers need in-service training to improve their overall knowledge on
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sexuality education and modify their cultural beliefs. The school curriculum needs to be updated
to include all aspects of sexuality education.