Young Talk Feb 2011
Content
Young Talk is FREE
• Know your rights • Stay in school • Say No to sex Sex Education for primary schools
Not for SALE:
Vol 14 No 2 Feb 2011
MENSTRUATION
M
enstruation is when a girl’s body releases blood from her womb through the vagina. This is not a disease. It is a normal and natural part of growing up. Menstruation happens to every woman and girl. The blood flows slowly and continues through the day and night for 4-7 days. Girls start getting menstrual period between the ages of 10 to 15. Some start earlier or later. Every one has their own time of starting.
Keneth Mubiru,14, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso says: “Menstruation is not a mistake. It is natural. Boys, do not laugh at girls.”
Have you started yet?
How did you feel the first time?
P
upils of Kayunga, Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala, who talked to us said they were surprised, shocked, worried and scared on seeing the first menstrual blood.
ahoro, 12, P6, Natasha Uwam PS, Mukono University Hills arted at 12 “My first period st n with my years. I was in tow I got stomach mother. Suddenly e toilets thinking pain. I went to th mit. When I sat I was going to vo w blood on my on the toilet, I sa I knew what knickers! Although dn’t connect in a period was, it di as happening. my brain, what w home, I got one When we reached ere kept in the of her pads that w the instructions bathroom. I read t the rest of the and used it. I spen sick.” day sleeping. I felt
Faith Bu Kiswa P singye, 13, P5, S f first perio , Kampala star rom ted her d soon a fter her 1 old sister. 2 my knick “When I saw bloo year ers, I was d on kept it se s cret. I wa urprised and s wo later I told my grand rried. But mother.”
la ampa PS, K s a sign a Kisw ni ils of struatiio is not a Pup “Men But it says: wing up. ” o sex. of gr start to sign
Naigag Wakita a Doreen, 15 , k ”One tim a PS, Jinja, s P7, ays: e when friend sh I owed m stood up a had spre e blood a dress. I d all over my y that ra e to wash n to the bathro llow it off. Sa om dress go t dirty. I dly the around tied a clo m back ho y waist and ra the n m older sis e. I used one o ters’ pad f my s.”
Nakate Rahamah, 13, P6, Khadijja Islamic PS, Luweero, says: ”On my way home I got a headache. When I reached home, I took panadol and went to bath. I saw blood in my private parts. I was shocked! When I told my mother, she told me what was happening. She gave me pads and showed me how to use them.”
HIV Basic
How is HIV transmitted? Ayo Paska, 13, P5, Masindi Public School.
HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. It lives mainly in body fluids like blood, semen and vaginal fluids. If you get in contact with these body fluids, you can get HIV. This can happen: • Through unprotected sex with a person who has HIV. • If a mother has HIV, her baby can get HIV during pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. • Through sharing sharp objects like razor blades, needles and injections. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic, Mulago Hospital
not Girls, you may our know when y iod will menstrual per ppen start. It can ha here. anytime anyw pared. Always be pre go, Wherever you your carry a pad in appens, bag. When it h secret. don’t keep it a adult Talk to a trusted er, like your moth nior sister or a se . woman teacher
2 .Young Talk, February 2011
How menstruation happens
Dr Alex Kakoraki from Murchison Bay Hospital Kampala explains how menstruations happens: • There are two ovaries. Each ovary has thousands of small eggs. You cannot see them. • When the body is ready, one egg leaves one of the ovaries every month and moves down the fallopian tube to the womb. Pupils of Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso: A sweater can be useful if your cloth gets stained. • While the egg is moving down, the womb starts preparing a “nest”
M
enstruation is a major stage of puberty in girls. Like other body changes, menstruation can be confusing. Some girls wait eagerly to start their periods, others may feel afraid and anxious. where the baby is supposed to grow from. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm, it is protected and fed to grow into a baby. • If the egg is not fertilised, the body destroys the “nest” and everything is pushed out through the vagina. This is what is called menstruation. • About two weeks later, another egg leaves the ovary and the whole process starts again.
of Mvule Trust Kampala, teaches you how to make pads. Cut the cloth and polythene into small pieces to the size of a handkerchief Make a simple String by sewing thread on each wing. The strings will hold the pad On the knickers firmly.
Make local pads using clean piece of cotton cloth, threads, sewing needle, polythene sheet (Kaveera) and pair of scissors or a new razor blade. Abalo Josephine, program manager
Make your own pads
4
2
Fold the cotton cloth into a cross shape, to make wings at the opposite sides.
Sew the folded clothes leaving an envelope like space for putting and removing the cotton clothes and polythene.
1
3
Put a polythene sheet inside the two cotton folded clothes to stop leakage of blood.
5
• After using the pad, open the envelop-like space. Remove the cotton clothes. Wash and dry the clothes in sunshine • Iron the cloths and fix them as before for future use.
Boys, support girls
H
ow can I help a sister who has reached menstruation stage? Gatuya Albert, University Hills PS, Mukono. Boys, do you also wonder how best to help a girl for example, if you saw blood on her dress? Help her. Tell her politely and privately. “Don’t laugh at girls. They don’t ask for menstruation. It happens naturally.” Ocama Moses 13, P6, Kiswa PS, Kampala “If I saw blood on a girl’s dress I would tell her quietly to go and see a senior woman teacher.” D Muwanguzi, 15, P6, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso “If a girl stained her dress I would
PS, 13, P5, Gayaza CoU Shamimu Vumiria, st period started at 11 Wakiso, says: “Her fir years. I wasn’t “I was in bed because thought I would get feeling well. I had grown my period early, since I parts. hair around my private
Everything was fine. Nobody knew I had my first period
give her a sweater to cover up. I would then tell any
teacher to help her.” Twesigye Gerald, 13, Railways PS, Kampala,
I would tell her to go to the bathroom and clean up. Girls, don’t leave used pads anywhere.” Sserugo Davis, 12, P6, University Hills PS, Mukono “Girls, having period is not a disease, mistake or a problem. You are growing into an adult.” Lochebe Angello, 13, P6, St Peters PS Nsambya, Kampala
t, I saw When I went to the toile sn’t heavy, some blood. Since it wa my knickI just put toilet paper on later it was ers. When I checked it kfully, soaked with blood. Than ds. I rries some pa my auntie ca d used it. got one from her bag an st body knew I had my fir Everything was fine. No period.” ok at you
can lo Correct. No one are in your periods. and know your ared. Always be prep
Don’t worry, be happy
O
nce a girl starts getting her periods, it comes once a month. But some girls may miss their periods for one or two months. This is alright. The hormones in the body are not balanced yet. If you are not having sex, don’t worry about missed period. For girls who are having sex, a missed period may be a sign of pregnancy. knickers well. Wearing knickers that are not well dried, can cause itchiness in the private parts. Nalwoga Suzan, a counsellor
3 Young Talk, February 2011.
Dealing with painful periods
Girls and boys, say NO to sex until you are over 18 years, after your studies and you can look after a family.
My first period were very painful. My grandmother said the pain was normal, but aunt said it is not always painful. She told me to see a doctor. When I talked to the doctor, he said it was normal. Nakazzi Shakira, 13, P6, University Hills PS, Mukono Dear Shakira, some girls get painful periods. This happens when the muscles of the uterus contract to push out blood through the vagina. You may feel uncomfortable but the pains goes as you grow up. Dr Alex Kakorachi, Marchsion Bay Hospital, Kampala, advises to: • Take a warm bath • Excise regularly •Drink a lot of juice
Talk to a health worker, if: • Your period lasts longer than a week. A period usually lasts 4 -7days. • Pad gets filled with blood easily and you have to change for example after every 1 hour • You spend 3 months without experiencing your period. • You feel terrible pain before or during your period
in Being eriods your p not shouldou stop ygoing from ool, to sch g playin ng or doi . sports
During periods
• Change pads at least 3 times a day. • Throw used pads in the bin, pit latrine or burn them. Don’t throw pads in flush toilet. This can block pipes. • Use cold water to wash off blood from your knickers. Hot water makes the blood stay. • Dry your
If all these things fail, ask a health worker for advise.
WORD PUZZLE No. 1, 2011 Down
This puzzle is to test your knowledge on menstruation. Fill in the right answers and post it to: YOUNG TALK PO Box,
22366, Kampala. Best answers will win Young Talk exercise books.
Fill in your: Name:….................................,Class,..........Age........, School,..............................................................PO BOX…………… District…......................…........
1. A period when a girl’s body releases blood through the vagina, (12). 3. This substance is the menstrual fluid (5). 6. It is also known as the uterus (4) 7. The beginning of the first menstrual cycle in a girl’s life, (8). 8. Where the menstrual blood passes from a girl’s body, (6). 10. The reproductive egg of a girl or woman (5). 11. A piece of cloth made specially to absorb menstrual blood (4) (Plural).
Across
2. Where the baby develops when inside a woman (6) 4. Male reproductive cell that fertilises the ovary to make a baby (5). 5. The releasing of an egg from ovary ((9). 9. When a woman stops menstruating permanently because of her age (9) 12. The time from the end of one menstruation period to the next one (5). 13. The pains a girl feels during menstruation period (6) (plural). 14. Physical changes when a child’s body develops into adulthood (7).
For teachers
Kabuga Joyce, Senior Woman teacher, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso advises: Teachers, help girls to manage their periods so that they don’t miss classes. • Encourage boys to support girls instead of teasing and laughing at them.
• Give children the correct information about periods. • Talk to parents about preparing and supporting their girls with their periods. • Give girls skills on how to make local pads. • Provide pads to girls who cannot afford them.
4
Young Talk, February 2011
Dear Young Talk
P.O.Box 22366 Kampala
without an explanation. Virginity however is lost only when you have sex. Is it true that a boy can lose an erection if he eats avocado everyday? Bwambale Bernard, 13, Kyanjuki PS, Kasese No it is not true, avocado do not cause loss of erections. Avocado contains vitamins, minerals, and good fat. They cause growth of the body and prevent disease. Eating them everyday makes you look healthier and does not cause any problem. Enjoy them.
I have a small body but my friends say I have HIV/ AIDS. Is it true? Wambi Felix, 13, P6, Walukuba West PS, Jinja. Your friends are wrong. Having a small body is not a sign of HIV. Anyone of any size, fat, tall, short, small can have HIV. The best way to know if someone has HIV is having an HIV test. Have your friends tested for HIV? Children can ask their parents/ guardians to take them for an HIV test. Is it true that one should have sex if her vagina itches? Atang Margret, 14, P6, T and M Bright PS, Mbale. No no no. You may get STDs, HIV, pregnant, if you have sex. Go to a health centre and get treatment for the itching vagina. My penis is growing big and I erect every morning. What can I do? Kalena Sam, 14, P7, Kaliro CoU PS. Nothing! Just relax. The growing penis and morning erections are normal and natural signs of body changes. Other body changes are growth of pubic hair, wet dreams and deepening of voice. But these are not a signs to start sex. Wait to have sex. “Do girls experience wet dreams like boys?” Akello Lucky, Agwata PS Dokolo. No, girls experience other body changes
Pupils of Ntandi SDA Intergrated PS, Bundibugyo, says: “We delay sex to avoid HIV and early pregnancy.”
Counsellors: Dr James Ojom, Soroti Regional Hospital and Dr Paul Semugoma, International Hospital Kampala
QUIZ
Tell us stories of things you do which make your parents happy and those which make them unhappy?
Pupils of Muto PS, Mpigi say: ”Young Talk helps us to stay in school to be able to build a better Uganda.”
like menstruation and growing of the breasts. They also develop hair around the private parts and the armpits. These body changes do not mean you are ready to start sex. My vaginal opening is wide but I have never had sex. When I fell sick my mother put traditional herbs in my vagina. She complained that I’ had lost my virginity. What caused this? M Bridget, 13, Little Stars PS, Bushenyi. The vagina opens or changes when something is put inside. Do not allow anyone to touch your vagina,
Write to Young Talk PO Box, 22366, Kampala and win Young Talk exercise books
Quiz responses
I
a n August, we asked you what kind of to be. We country would you like Uganda received over 100 letters. Most of you nda. want a peaceful and developing Uga says: “I Chest Raymond, 12, Grace PS, Mbale, beautiful Uganda.” like a clean, peaceful and u, says: Habaasa Elizabeth, Makiro PS, Kanung united with many industries so “I like a Uganda that is people have jobs.” y, Kirabo Justine, 12, P6 and Lunkuse Mar Naggalama, Mukono, 13, P7, St Agnes PS, le and no says: “Uganda should have educated peop sacrifice, incest or defilement.” corruption, wars, child gegwe Agaba Joseph, 15, Karwenyi PS, Kye nda to have good leaders who says: “I would like Uga do not use force to become leaders.” Be Girls and boys, it is you who make up Uganda. in everything you do. Say NO clean, smart and peaceful the better to sex and stay in school to be able to build Uganda you want.
Boys, take good care of your penis
“My penis has white substance under the foreskin. Am I okay? Boy, Kyondo PS, Bundibugyo. A penis is a special part of a male body. Boys, take good care of it. The white substance is called smegma. If smegma is a lot under the foreskin, it can cause bad smell or infections. Whether you are circumcised or not, wash and clean the penis everyday. Also wash properly the whole area including the scrotum, thighs, and in between the buttocks. Dr Paul Semugoma, Internatinal Hospital Kampala
There is a girl in our class, who beats me because I am liked by many pupils and teachers. When I report her to the teachers, she denies everything. Aujo Gestina, 12, P6, Tororo Parents PS
Publisher: Straight
Talk Foundation 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, PO Box 22366, Kampala, Tel: 031-262030/1, E-mail: [email protected], President: C Watson Executive Director: S Ajok Print Director: T Agutu, Editorial Manager: M Akello, Editors: P Kiwuuwa, F Ouma, J Abongowath, J Nafula, A Nanyonjo Chief Designer: M Kalanzi, Designers: GB Mukasa, Allan B Dentine ,G. Turibamwe Funded by Civil Society Fund
• Know your rights • Stay in school • Say No to sex Sex Education for primary schools
Not for SALE:
Vol 14 No 2 Feb 2011
MENSTRUATION
M
enstruation is when a girl’s body releases blood from her womb through the vagina. This is not a disease. It is a normal and natural part of growing up. Menstruation happens to every woman and girl. The blood flows slowly and continues through the day and night for 4-7 days. Girls start getting menstrual period between the ages of 10 to 15. Some start earlier or later. Every one has their own time of starting.
Keneth Mubiru,14, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso says: “Menstruation is not a mistake. It is natural. Boys, do not laugh at girls.”
Have you started yet?
How did you feel the first time?
P
upils of Kayunga, Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala, who talked to us said they were surprised, shocked, worried and scared on seeing the first menstrual blood.
ahoro, 12, P6, Natasha Uwam PS, Mukono University Hills arted at 12 “My first period st n with my years. I was in tow I got stomach mother. Suddenly e toilets thinking pain. I went to th mit. When I sat I was going to vo w blood on my on the toilet, I sa I knew what knickers! Although dn’t connect in a period was, it di as happening. my brain, what w home, I got one When we reached ere kept in the of her pads that w the instructions bathroom. I read t the rest of the and used it. I spen sick.” day sleeping. I felt
Faith Bu Kiswa P singye, 13, P5, S f first perio , Kampala star rom ted her d soon a fter her 1 old sister. 2 my knick “When I saw bloo year ers, I was d on kept it se s cret. I wa urprised and s wo later I told my grand rried. But mother.”
la ampa PS, K s a sign a Kisw ni ils of struatiio is not a Pup “Men But it says: wing up. ” o sex. of gr start to sign
Naigag Wakita a Doreen, 15 , k ”One tim a PS, Jinja, s P7, ays: e when friend sh I owed m stood up a had spre e blood a dress. I d all over my y that ra e to wash n to the bathro llow it off. Sa om dress go t dirty. I dly the around tied a clo m back ho y waist and ra the n m older sis e. I used one o ters’ pad f my s.”
Nakate Rahamah, 13, P6, Khadijja Islamic PS, Luweero, says: ”On my way home I got a headache. When I reached home, I took panadol and went to bath. I saw blood in my private parts. I was shocked! When I told my mother, she told me what was happening. She gave me pads and showed me how to use them.”
HIV Basic
How is HIV transmitted? Ayo Paska, 13, P5, Masindi Public School.
HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. It lives mainly in body fluids like blood, semen and vaginal fluids. If you get in contact with these body fluids, you can get HIV. This can happen: • Through unprotected sex with a person who has HIV. • If a mother has HIV, her baby can get HIV during pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. • Through sharing sharp objects like razor blades, needles and injections. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic, Mulago Hospital
not Girls, you may our know when y iod will menstrual per ppen start. It can ha here. anytime anyw pared. Always be pre go, Wherever you your carry a pad in appens, bag. When it h secret. don’t keep it a adult Talk to a trusted er, like your moth nior sister or a se . woman teacher
2 .Young Talk, February 2011
How menstruation happens
Dr Alex Kakoraki from Murchison Bay Hospital Kampala explains how menstruations happens: • There are two ovaries. Each ovary has thousands of small eggs. You cannot see them. • When the body is ready, one egg leaves one of the ovaries every month and moves down the fallopian tube to the womb. Pupils of Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso: A sweater can be useful if your cloth gets stained. • While the egg is moving down, the womb starts preparing a “nest”
M
enstruation is a major stage of puberty in girls. Like other body changes, menstruation can be confusing. Some girls wait eagerly to start their periods, others may feel afraid and anxious. where the baby is supposed to grow from. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm, it is protected and fed to grow into a baby. • If the egg is not fertilised, the body destroys the “nest” and everything is pushed out through the vagina. This is what is called menstruation. • About two weeks later, another egg leaves the ovary and the whole process starts again.
of Mvule Trust Kampala, teaches you how to make pads. Cut the cloth and polythene into small pieces to the size of a handkerchief Make a simple String by sewing thread on each wing. The strings will hold the pad On the knickers firmly.
Make local pads using clean piece of cotton cloth, threads, sewing needle, polythene sheet (Kaveera) and pair of scissors or a new razor blade. Abalo Josephine, program manager
Make your own pads
4
2
Fold the cotton cloth into a cross shape, to make wings at the opposite sides.
Sew the folded clothes leaving an envelope like space for putting and removing the cotton clothes and polythene.
1
3
Put a polythene sheet inside the two cotton folded clothes to stop leakage of blood.
5
• After using the pad, open the envelop-like space. Remove the cotton clothes. Wash and dry the clothes in sunshine • Iron the cloths and fix them as before for future use.
Boys, support girls
H
ow can I help a sister who has reached menstruation stage? Gatuya Albert, University Hills PS, Mukono. Boys, do you also wonder how best to help a girl for example, if you saw blood on her dress? Help her. Tell her politely and privately. “Don’t laugh at girls. They don’t ask for menstruation. It happens naturally.” Ocama Moses 13, P6, Kiswa PS, Kampala “If I saw blood on a girl’s dress I would tell her quietly to go and see a senior woman teacher.” D Muwanguzi, 15, P6, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso “If a girl stained her dress I would
PS, 13, P5, Gayaza CoU Shamimu Vumiria, st period started at 11 Wakiso, says: “Her fir years. I wasn’t “I was in bed because thought I would get feeling well. I had grown my period early, since I parts. hair around my private
Everything was fine. Nobody knew I had my first period
give her a sweater to cover up. I would then tell any
teacher to help her.” Twesigye Gerald, 13, Railways PS, Kampala,
I would tell her to go to the bathroom and clean up. Girls, don’t leave used pads anywhere.” Sserugo Davis, 12, P6, University Hills PS, Mukono “Girls, having period is not a disease, mistake or a problem. You are growing into an adult.” Lochebe Angello, 13, P6, St Peters PS Nsambya, Kampala
t, I saw When I went to the toile sn’t heavy, some blood. Since it wa my knickI just put toilet paper on later it was ers. When I checked it kfully, soaked with blood. Than ds. I rries some pa my auntie ca d used it. got one from her bag an st body knew I had my fir Everything was fine. No period.” ok at you
can lo Correct. No one are in your periods. and know your ared. Always be prep
Don’t worry, be happy
O
nce a girl starts getting her periods, it comes once a month. But some girls may miss their periods for one or two months. This is alright. The hormones in the body are not balanced yet. If you are not having sex, don’t worry about missed period. For girls who are having sex, a missed period may be a sign of pregnancy. knickers well. Wearing knickers that are not well dried, can cause itchiness in the private parts. Nalwoga Suzan, a counsellor
3 Young Talk, February 2011.
Dealing with painful periods
Girls and boys, say NO to sex until you are over 18 years, after your studies and you can look after a family.
My first period were very painful. My grandmother said the pain was normal, but aunt said it is not always painful. She told me to see a doctor. When I talked to the doctor, he said it was normal. Nakazzi Shakira, 13, P6, University Hills PS, Mukono Dear Shakira, some girls get painful periods. This happens when the muscles of the uterus contract to push out blood through the vagina. You may feel uncomfortable but the pains goes as you grow up. Dr Alex Kakorachi, Marchsion Bay Hospital, Kampala, advises to: • Take a warm bath • Excise regularly •Drink a lot of juice
Talk to a health worker, if: • Your period lasts longer than a week. A period usually lasts 4 -7days. • Pad gets filled with blood easily and you have to change for example after every 1 hour • You spend 3 months without experiencing your period. • You feel terrible pain before or during your period
in Being eriods your p not shouldou stop ygoing from ool, to sch g playin ng or doi . sports
During periods
• Change pads at least 3 times a day. • Throw used pads in the bin, pit latrine or burn them. Don’t throw pads in flush toilet. This can block pipes. • Use cold water to wash off blood from your knickers. Hot water makes the blood stay. • Dry your
If all these things fail, ask a health worker for advise.
WORD PUZZLE No. 1, 2011 Down
This puzzle is to test your knowledge on menstruation. Fill in the right answers and post it to: YOUNG TALK PO Box,
22366, Kampala. Best answers will win Young Talk exercise books.
Fill in your: Name:….................................,Class,..........Age........, School,..............................................................PO BOX…………… District…......................…........
1. A period when a girl’s body releases blood through the vagina, (12). 3. This substance is the menstrual fluid (5). 6. It is also known as the uterus (4) 7. The beginning of the first menstrual cycle in a girl’s life, (8). 8. Where the menstrual blood passes from a girl’s body, (6). 10. The reproductive egg of a girl or woman (5). 11. A piece of cloth made specially to absorb menstrual blood (4) (Plural).
Across
2. Where the baby develops when inside a woman (6) 4. Male reproductive cell that fertilises the ovary to make a baby (5). 5. The releasing of an egg from ovary ((9). 9. When a woman stops menstruating permanently because of her age (9) 12. The time from the end of one menstruation period to the next one (5). 13. The pains a girl feels during menstruation period (6) (plural). 14. Physical changes when a child’s body develops into adulthood (7).
For teachers
Kabuga Joyce, Senior Woman teacher, Gayaza CoU PS, Wakiso advises: Teachers, help girls to manage their periods so that they don’t miss classes. • Encourage boys to support girls instead of teasing and laughing at them.
• Give children the correct information about periods. • Talk to parents about preparing and supporting their girls with their periods. • Give girls skills on how to make local pads. • Provide pads to girls who cannot afford them.
4
Young Talk, February 2011
Dear Young Talk
P.O.Box 22366 Kampala
without an explanation. Virginity however is lost only when you have sex. Is it true that a boy can lose an erection if he eats avocado everyday? Bwambale Bernard, 13, Kyanjuki PS, Kasese No it is not true, avocado do not cause loss of erections. Avocado contains vitamins, minerals, and good fat. They cause growth of the body and prevent disease. Eating them everyday makes you look healthier and does not cause any problem. Enjoy them.
I have a small body but my friends say I have HIV/ AIDS. Is it true? Wambi Felix, 13, P6, Walukuba West PS, Jinja. Your friends are wrong. Having a small body is not a sign of HIV. Anyone of any size, fat, tall, short, small can have HIV. The best way to know if someone has HIV is having an HIV test. Have your friends tested for HIV? Children can ask their parents/ guardians to take them for an HIV test. Is it true that one should have sex if her vagina itches? Atang Margret, 14, P6, T and M Bright PS, Mbale. No no no. You may get STDs, HIV, pregnant, if you have sex. Go to a health centre and get treatment for the itching vagina. My penis is growing big and I erect every morning. What can I do? Kalena Sam, 14, P7, Kaliro CoU PS. Nothing! Just relax. The growing penis and morning erections are normal and natural signs of body changes. Other body changes are growth of pubic hair, wet dreams and deepening of voice. But these are not a signs to start sex. Wait to have sex. “Do girls experience wet dreams like boys?” Akello Lucky, Agwata PS Dokolo. No, girls experience other body changes
Pupils of Ntandi SDA Intergrated PS, Bundibugyo, says: “We delay sex to avoid HIV and early pregnancy.”
Counsellors: Dr James Ojom, Soroti Regional Hospital and Dr Paul Semugoma, International Hospital Kampala
QUIZ
Tell us stories of things you do which make your parents happy and those which make them unhappy?
Pupils of Muto PS, Mpigi say: ”Young Talk helps us to stay in school to be able to build a better Uganda.”
like menstruation and growing of the breasts. They also develop hair around the private parts and the armpits. These body changes do not mean you are ready to start sex. My vaginal opening is wide but I have never had sex. When I fell sick my mother put traditional herbs in my vagina. She complained that I’ had lost my virginity. What caused this? M Bridget, 13, Little Stars PS, Bushenyi. The vagina opens or changes when something is put inside. Do not allow anyone to touch your vagina,
Write to Young Talk PO Box, 22366, Kampala and win Young Talk exercise books
Quiz responses
I
a n August, we asked you what kind of to be. We country would you like Uganda received over 100 letters. Most of you nda. want a peaceful and developing Uga says: “I Chest Raymond, 12, Grace PS, Mbale, beautiful Uganda.” like a clean, peaceful and u, says: Habaasa Elizabeth, Makiro PS, Kanung united with many industries so “I like a Uganda that is people have jobs.” y, Kirabo Justine, 12, P6 and Lunkuse Mar Naggalama, Mukono, 13, P7, St Agnes PS, le and no says: “Uganda should have educated peop sacrifice, incest or defilement.” corruption, wars, child gegwe Agaba Joseph, 15, Karwenyi PS, Kye nda to have good leaders who says: “I would like Uga do not use force to become leaders.” Be Girls and boys, it is you who make up Uganda. in everything you do. Say NO clean, smart and peaceful the better to sex and stay in school to be able to build Uganda you want.
Boys, take good care of your penis
“My penis has white substance under the foreskin. Am I okay? Boy, Kyondo PS, Bundibugyo. A penis is a special part of a male body. Boys, take good care of it. The white substance is called smegma. If smegma is a lot under the foreskin, it can cause bad smell or infections. Whether you are circumcised or not, wash and clean the penis everyday. Also wash properly the whole area including the scrotum, thighs, and in between the buttocks. Dr Paul Semugoma, Internatinal Hospital Kampala
There is a girl in our class, who beats me because I am liked by many pupils and teachers. When I report her to the teachers, she denies everything. Aujo Gestina, 12, P6, Tororo Parents PS
Publisher: Straight
Talk Foundation 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, PO Box 22366, Kampala, Tel: 031-262030/1, E-mail: [email protected], President: C Watson Executive Director: S Ajok Print Director: T Agutu, Editorial Manager: M Akello, Editors: P Kiwuuwa, F Ouma, J Abongowath, J Nafula, A Nanyonjo Chief Designer: M Kalanzi, Designers: GB Mukasa, Allan B Dentine ,G. Turibamwe Funded by Civil Society Fund
