Sex Education Curriculum Aimed at Hispanics Debuts at National Conference
The Hispanic version of a faith-based, sex-education curriculum initially designed for black youth was presented last week at the annual National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality in Washington, D.C., the Washington Post reports. According to the Post, 500 black and Hispanic churchgoers attended the three-day conference, sponsored by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
The curriculum -- called "Manteniendolo Real!" -- is based on a program called "Keeping it Real," which was written 10 years ago and designed for black youth. The program uses biblical verses to spark discussion about issues of health and sexuality, including teen pregnancy, abortion and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Penny Willis, director of multicultural programs for the religious reproductive choice coalition, said many ministers fear the program will encourage minors to have sex. She added that "it's not a program that says you should tell your child to use birth control. It's a program to give your child the tools they need" to make informed decisions (Salmon, Washington Post, 716).