Running on the theme “I’m in Control”, the Family Wellness Club, along with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Perak, conducted a two-day sex education workshop for teenagers at Banyan Spa from March 5 to 6.
On the first day, 30 participants of diverse social and economic backgrounds were enlightened on sexuality, values, responsibility and high risk behaviours that could lead to teen pregnancies.
According to Suraya Ghazali, the Director of LPPKN Perak, the board has many activities that focus on teenagers who are under a lot of negative influences from their surroundings and social media.
The second day featured lessons on abstinence and talks by Afiza Bani Hashim from the Buddies Association of Ipoh as well as Daniel Ng from Befrienders Ipoh.
Afiza elaborated on the support the society provides to HIV/AIDS patients, their families and friends. “Currently, about 70% of HIV cases are caused through having sex. Although people have been educated that they need not fear being in the company of HIV patients, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is still there,” she highlighted.
According to Daniel, Befrienders is a telephone counselling service for people who are troubled and just need to talk to someone confidentially. The organisation is there to help people explore all their options when they are troubled and need a friend to talk to. He then made a call to Befrienders Ipoh to demonstrate how the service works.
P. Mangaleswary, the President of Family Wellness Club emphasised that sex with a young girl below the age of 16 is statutory rape. It makes no difference whether the young girl consented to the act, as the law presumes that she is not matured enough to give her consent. The sentence for one found guilty of statutory rape is imprisonment.
During the closing session, she advised participants to empower themselves with the knowledge they now have and build a future of their dreams.
