Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 2016 Traditionally, when a child attains puberty, the sole responsibility of informing the child on SRH rested on the parents, while the schools played a minor role. However, it had been found that this system had not been the most effective as it was observed that in most instances not enough information or inaccurate information is given to the children by parents in their attempt to withhold certain information from their child in hopes of keeping them ‘innocent’. In an era of widely accessible social media facilities and technological dominance, children can easily access information which may disseminate misconceptions and inappropriate information about SRH. Thus, it is imperative for parents to give age appropriate information on SRH to their children. Hence, a well thought of and well planned SRHE programme is essential in order to provide young people with access to accurate and reliable information and to make them aware of the importance of SRH. One of the most cost effective and practical ways to disseminate SRH information as explained above is to incorporate Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) into the school curriculum. SRHE programmes around the world have been seen to improve the overall health and awareness of the youth by reducing misinformation and increasing their knowledge on SRH.26 Schools can be the most effective means of disseminating SRHE information among the youth as most communities judge schools to be a safe environment for their children and trust the information it provides to be appropriate. Additionally, schools are equipped with teaching aids and trained staff to circulate information to their students and the teachers, seen as role models for students, are respected and trusted by both parents and students to have the students’ best interests at heart. Additionally, it had been often observed 26 Kirby, D. B., Laris, B. A. & Rolleri, L. A. (2007). Sex and HIV Education Programmes: Their impact on Sexual Behaviours of Young People throughout the World. Journal of Adolescent Health 40, 206‐217. Retrieved from http://www.sidastudi.org/ resources/inmagic‐img/dd2891.pdf 8 INTRODUCTION