Old enough to know: consulting children about sex and AIDS education in Africa

Abstract

This compelling study, comprising of a sample of eight schools in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa - Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania - examines the sources, contents and processes of children's community-based sexual knowledges and asks how these knowledges interact with AIDS education programmes in school. Old enough to know showcases the possibilities of consulting pupils using engaging, interactive and visual methods including digital still photography, mini-video documentaries, as well as interviews and observations. These innovative methods allow children to speak freely and openly in contexts where talking about sex to adults are a cultural taboo.