Sex Education for Adolescents in the Church The CBCA Case Study

This book examines how the Sunday school programs of the Central African Baptist Community (CBCA) address the sexual challenges faced by adolescents in a post-conflict context in North Kivu, DRC. The study focused on congregations in the ecclesiastical districts of Goma and Beni, where people have endured rape characterized by extreme violence. It is descriptive and quasi-experimental in nature and employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In fact, at the outset of the research process, focus group discussions revealed that the CBCA did not have a sex education program for adolescents. Its instruction on certain topics related to sexuality was sporadic. There was no curriculum or prepared modules for adolescents. A needs assessment and trainer-of-trainers workshop, followed by a six-month pilot of a curriculum, led to the acquisition of substantial knowledge and practices regarding adolescent sex education within the church. The CBCA would like to begin teaching adolescents and facilitate better communication about sexuality for their well-being.