A college student has found herself teaching her peers about sex after writing a book on the topic in Guizhou Province of Southwest China.

 

Wang Ji, a grade-four journalism student at the Guizhou Institute of Minorities, started writing the book two years ago. Covering such subjects as the human body, pregnancy, love and cohabitation the book is expected to be published by the Jiangsu Literature and Art Publishing House.

 

Before being submitted to the publisher a handwritten copy of the book circulated widely among Wang's fellow students, parents and teachers.

 

"I got the idea to write a sex education book for college students three years ago when I saw many schoolmates begin to get involved in love affairs," Wang told the Xinhua News Agency. "However, many of them are almost illiterate about sex so pornographic websites and magazines became their sex teachers."

 

After doing research on the web and in libraries, receiving counsel from obstetricians and interviewing her peers, Wang had collected a wealth of information on sex among younger people.

 

"I never thought the book would be published," Wang said. "I only want my peers to know some basic sex information that helps save them from tears and regrets and give them more confidence and sunlight in life."

 

Because of the taboos surrounding the topic sex education in China is commonly taught as part of the biology and politics curriculum in junior middle school and is almost ignored in senior middle school and university.

 

Traditionally any debate about sex is a private matter among close friends only and not for public discussion.

 

Wang said her parents didn't understand her actions and thought it would be an embarrassment for them. The book also has caused debate among students, teachers and parents.

 

Some views on the book: 

 

"Based on her experience and that of her peers the book is persuasive. However, it contains some concepts that conflict with co-education value. Without additional guidance, young students may be misled by the book, which contains vivid personal experiences." Yang Zaiyong, university teacher from Guizhou.

 

"Some people were afraid that sex would become a topic that was too open and that students would be seduced if sex was too frequently and deeply mentioned. Actually, they underestimated college students' judgment and ability to comprehend." Yao Mingjun, college student from Guizhou.

 

"Although the book has some shortcomings, such as a lack of health and psychological theory and criteria, and it lacks reason in structure and category, it's a worthwhile attempt at education among peers. We should encourage young people to participate in sex education so that they can become educators." Hu Peicheng, psychologist from Beijing.

 

"The book can be a good reference book for young students and can make up for deficiencies with in-school sex education." Yu Kuichao, a publisher from Jiangsu.

 

(China Daily January 19, 2007)