EXTERNAL vendors conducting sexuality education programmes in schools will have to adhere to guidelines released by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

The guidelines were listed on the Government's electronic procurement system.

All current providers of such programmes will also have to submit their applications by 19 Oct. If not, they'll not be allowed to continue providing such programmes, reported 938Live.

The vendors are required to submit their policy statement on sexuality education. The statement must cover five areas, including homosexuality, abortion and pre-marital sex.

The vendors will have to demonstrate their track record and relevant experience in working with children and youths in sexuality-related areas.

They must also ensure that the teaching of facts is integrated with the teaching of mainstream values.

In addition, MOE wants students to understand and respect the attitudes, values and beliefs regarding sexuality in the context of Singapore's multi-religious and multi-racial society.

Once the submission of bids closes later this month, MOE will undertake a vetting process which is expected to take up to two months.

Successful bidders could start providing their sexuality education programmes as early as next January.

The move follows the ministry's decision to tighten its processes to vet and approve external agencies allowed to provide sexuality education in schools, in the wake of the Aware controversy.

Prior to the Aware saga, schools had the autonomy to hire external vendors for their sexuality education programmes.

But now, they will have to choose from a list that is vetted and approved by the ministry.

This article was first published in The New Paper.