Tunisia becomes first Arab country to introduce sex education in schools

Tunisia will become the first country in the Arab world to introduce sex education at schools, the executive director of the Tunisian Association of Reproductive health said.

Speaking to local news outlet Sabah Al-Nas, Arzak Khaneetch said sex education will be introduced in Tunisia in December for students from the age of five.

"It's very important for children to be introduced to sex education so they are aware of themselves and others around them," she said.

She said her organisation partnered up with the United Nations Population Fund and the Arab Institute for Human Rights to start this initiative under the umbrella of Tunisia's education ministry.

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Sex education will be embedded in different parts of the curriculum as opposed to having one subject that is fully dedicated to the discipline.

"We will carry out the plan based on the ages of the children – throughout the whole time, we emphasise on consent and safety," Khaneetch said.

She added the curriculum will be specifically simplified for younger children, focusing on messages of awareness to protect them from harassment.

The lessons will be appropriate to age and be culturally and religiously senstive, she added.

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