Kindergarten Programs And Children’s Sexual Education Awareness In The Context Of The UN Convention On The Rights Of The Child

Abstract

This study examines the role of the kindergarten program in the College of Education at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia in enhancing pre-service kindergarten teachers’ awareness of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for children. The study is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), with particular focus on Article 34. CSE is understood as an age-appropriate, science-based educational process that aims to protect children from abuse by strengthening their awareness of their bodies and their rights. The study addresses the gap between the recognized importance of CSE as a child right and the limited integration of its concepts in teacher preparation programs. Using a descriptive research design, a questionnaire was administered to 300 students. The findings show low levels of CSE awareness among the students and indicate a limited role of the program in promoting such awareness. The study identifies very high challenges in promoting pre-service teachers’ awareness of CSE. These challenges include content design issues, faculty readiness, cultural sensitivity, institutional resistance, and limited understanding of the role of the UNCRC in child protection. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the study calls for comprehensive reforms that involve curriculum development, faculty training, awareness initiatives, and stronger integration of UNCRC principles to better prepare future teachers for preventive and protective responsibilities.