Making sense, talking sexuality: India reaches out to its youth.

To reduce the incidence of adolescent pregnancy unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in India Parivar Seva Senstha (PSS) Family Planning Programs has launched a program to provide family life education to young people. A preliminary survey administered to 236 South Delhi youths 12-20 years of age revealed widespread lack of knowledge about reproduction and STDs and a lack of comfort discussing sexuality. Based on the survey results PSS designed curricula for ages 12-14 15-17 and 18-20 years to be disseminated through schools and colleges the National Service Scheme Bharat Scouts and Guides nongovernmental organizations teacher training institutes and a distance learning program. As the program evolved a reproductive health hot line face-to-face counseling sessions workshops for engaged couples and a radio question-and-answer program were added. Although teachers are supportive of the program they remain inhibited about discussing sexuality with their students and prefer that PSS conduct the classes. At present PSS is training trainers to teach the curriculum.