Empowering the Next Generation: Sex Education at Maryhill

As the Executive Director of Margaret and Emma Organization, I was honored to return to my alma mater, Maryhill High School, to facilitate a sex education talk for over 1000 high school students. This event was part of our organization's efforts to commemorate World AIDS Day and promote HIV awareness and prevention among young people.

Fortunate (center, red dress) with some of the students who attended her talk.

At Margaret and Emma Organization, our core mandate is to empower young people, especially girls and women, with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their lives. We believe that comprehensive sex education is a critical component of this empowerment.

Some of the Maryhill students who attended our presentation.

During the talk, I engaged the students in an open and honest discussion about sex, relationships, and HIV/AIDS. We explored topics such as consent, safe sex practices, and the importance of getting tested for HIV. The students were actively engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own perspectives on these critical issues.

Students were engaged throughout the presentation.

This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young people especially girls. By providing them with accurate and comprehensive information about sex and relationships, we can help them make informed decisions that will protect their health, well-being, and future.

At Margaret and Emma Organization, we are committed to continuing this important work. We will continue to provide sex education and HIV prevention programs to young people in schools and communities across the country. We believe that by empowering young people with knowledge, we can help create a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for all.

Together, we can empower the next generation to thrive!

HIV related statistics for Uganda (according to the Uganda AIDS Commission):

• It's estimated that 7.2% of women are HIV positive (men are estimated to be 4.3%)

• In 2024, new infections are estimated at 38,000

• 2024 AIDS related deaths are estimated to be 19,000

• 2024 babies infected with HIV are estimated to be 4,700

*These statistics are estimations. More rural populations may not go to heath centers for treatment, and their illnesses and related deaths may not be reported.