Christchurch-based initiative takes the lead in sex education

The Christchurch based sex education programme is taking a fresh and innovative approach to teaching rangatahi.

Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees is a new free online platform co-constructed with youth by youth in Christchurch that bridges the gaps in sexuality education for rangatahi (young people) in Aotearoa.

The platform, led by UC adjunct lecturer Tracy Clelland, Dr Fabian Gilson, and Associate Professor Adrian Clark, aims to bring the best resources from around the country together in one place.

Clelland said that the development of Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees was driven by research involving rangatahi, kaiwhakaako (educators), and whānau (families).

“It came about by young people telling us they wanted a digital platform that was safe and reliable where they could learn about sexual health, relationships, sexual and gender identity,” she said.

Clelland said the online platform was formed alongside NZ stakeholders and Sense, a Netherlands relationship and sex education platform that helps answer those blush-worthy questions.

“[Sense’s] data clearly shows that young people are more informed, and it has opened up conversations about sex and sexuality. Most importantly, what is an unhealthy relationship and where people [can go to] get support,” she said.

 Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees intends to keep the site 'living' by actively engaging with rangatahi who assist in developing the content and updating their resources in response to new research.

 UC student and Social Media Strategist and Project Manager, Abbey Mackie, said that the platform is referred to as a living project because its resources will adapt according to the movements and needs of rangatahi.

 “It all comes back to the young people,” she said.

Clelland said she welcomes UC students to help their platform grow as students can tell them what is needed, what needs to be changed and provide valuable feedback on what they have learned.

 “Young people's voices are crucial to change… All ideas are welcome, that is how change happens,” she said.

 Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees will channel resources from stakeholders such as Family Planning, The Classification Office, Rape Prevention Education, Burnett Foundation, Inside Out, The Light Project, Bang!, Just The Facts and The Collaborative.

 Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees can be found on TikTok, Instagram and on the Appstore.