Educating young people in Derry about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases is proving difficult because religious beliefs are being put before providing people with health information, according to a spokes woman for a new education project in Derry city on life-skills.
The project, "Live and Learn in Peer Education", works primarily with schools and community groups to explain to young people the dangers which can be involved in sexual activity.
The project was set up to provide the information to teenagers before they become sexually active.
However, a spokeswoman for the project said that difficulties were being encountered in some schools.
The only life-skills education seemed to be some information on drugs and alcohol, she said, while nothing was available for young people about sexual health.
Information leaflets, quizzes and other material used to promote open discussions are currently being made available from Peer Education, Dove House, in Derry, to interested parties.