02 Mar 2016

Father Monnamongwe Letsatle of the Roman Catholic Church has advised Ditsweletse Junior Secondary School students to abstain from sex as it is the only preventive measure that totally prevents the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Father Letsatle was speaking during the schools commemoration of the Commonwealth Month of Youth against AIDS. Father Letsatle explained that abstinence means taking a vow to stay away from sex and that with the help from God all things were possible. 

He advised students that even if the physical virginity was broken there was still hope because a person could still opt for spiritual virginity.

 “Take pride in virginity and reserve that special something for your future wife or husband,” he said.

Another speaker at the event, Tawana Clinic nurse, Ms Gaobotse Monnatlhare told students that abstinence was the most effective way to prevent HIV, unwanted pregnancy and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

She said they should be clear on why they want to abstain, and to share their lifestyle with people who would support them. 

Ms Monnatlhare also advised students to be assertive and to resist sexual intercourse without feeling guilty.

Monica Mokaedi, 14, a Form Four student at the school told her fellow students to resist peer pressure, rumours and myths surrounding abstinence.

She said a student who abstains from sex does not worry about whether or not she had fallen pregnant or contacted HIV.

“Abstinence is the natural and easier method of prevention so you should be proud and share with your friends that you are abstaining. Abstinence does not kill, but saves lives,” she pointed out.

The day started off with lighting candles in remembrance of the youth who have died as a result of AIDS. 

Drama, music and poetry were also used to pass the message to the students. Ends