In an airy classroom in Majuro, Marshall Islands in the North Pacific, the gentle hum of the ocean breeze mixes with the excited chatter of students. At the front of the classroom, Tilang Jorlang, a teacher with a warm smile and a patient demeanor, guides her students through a lesson. Today's topic is teamwork, but twice a week, this classroom transforms into a safe space for something even more crucial: family life education (FLE). The FLE class aims to equip students with knowledge and skills related to important health and well-being topics. It provides a safe space for them to learn about and ask questions regarding values and rights, healthy relationships, gender equality, safety, adolescent development, and sexual and reproductive health.
“For many children in the class, whose parents often haven't had the opportunity to attend school, there is a significant information gap, especially when it comes to health, particularly sexual and reproductive health," Tilang understands this gap intimately. She’s been teaching at this school for ten years, witnessing firsthand the challenges these young people face.
"Teenage years are a time of immense change," Tilang explains, her voice filled with compassion. "Children's bodies are transforming, and they need to understand what's happening. They need to be aware."
The FLE classes cover a range of essential topics: puberty, menstruation, healthy relationships, SRH, gender equality, violence prevention, staying safe – topics often shrouded in silence within the community. UNFPA Pacific with support from the Australian Government and in partnership with the Public School System in Marshall Islands, has developed the FLE curriculum in Marshall Islands. Tilang herself has benefited directly from this support, receiving training on the curriculum, which she says has been invaluable in helping her design engaging and effective lesson plans. The training has equipped her with the tools and knowledge to tackle sensitive topics with confidence and create a safe space for open dialogue.
Tilang's dedication stems from a deep understanding of the evolving world these children inhabit. "These days," she says, "children have access to information at their fingertips. But not all information is accurate, and some of it can be harmful. That's why it's so important that we, as educators, provide them with the right information, in a safe and supportive environment."
Tilang makes her classes interactive. She's not just teaching facts; she's empowering these young people to understand their bodies, build healthy relationships, and make informed choices about their futures. Her classroom is a safe space where questions, however awkward, are welcomed and answered with honesty and sensitivity.
“I have learned many things in this class; about my health, hygiene and building positive relationships. Miss Tilang makes us do group work, which makes the class fun,” says Hazel, a student of the FLE class.
UNFPA’s flagship programme, Transformative Agenda for Women, Adolescents, and Youth in the Pacific (TA-II) with support from the Australian Government has helped eight Pacific countries including the Marshall Islands in the delivery of FLE, based on the UNESCO international standards on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) adapted to the Pacific regional and each individual country context.
