Help marginalized Mexican children and teenagers

 Hello new and old followers!

In Mexico the teen pregnancy rate has increased in the last 10 years. The numbers are alarming and we are aware of the important role a preventive program of sexual and reproductive health plays.

This is the reason why we started working in the State of Chiapas with high school students. So far, we have trained 30 youth promoters in preventing: unplanned pregnancies, STI transmissions and dating violence.  These 30 youth promoters have led 8 educational fairs where, through fun activities and games, they shared their knowledge with almost 1000 of their peers.

We would like to share a few testimonies from some of our participants:

“I am taking a lot from this workshop; I mean a lot of knowledge because I learned so much. Before I was here I didn’t know anything about any of the subjects; I also lost my fear of speaking in public. I also learned how to be a more assertive person, I mean, surer of what I want, of what I can do. I leave very satisfied because everything I learned, I am taking it with me so it can help me guide my friends and family.”

Woman, high school student.

“For me this has been a nice experience, I have met other people, other classmates and I have shared my feelings. I have learned about STIs, how to protect myself against STIs or an unplanned pregnancy. That I should put myself first before anyone else. My self-esteem is important. About social pressure, it doesn’t matter what others say, my opinion is more important. And I have thought about myself and try not to make any more mistakes. I have learned to love myself above everyone else.”

Woman, high school student.

“What I am taking from this workshop is broad knowledge, because I hadn’t thought about it a lot and there were also topics I did not previously know about. Some I had heard about but never really investigated them. Something I improved on is calling reproductive organs by their proper name. All in all I am taking with me a lot from this workshop!”

Man, high school student

After these activities, we recorded significant positive changes since their knowledge improved and so did their behavior regarding these particular topics. We also learned that having educational fairs is an excellent way to carry out youth focused programs as youth promoters are leading the activities, owning and sharing the information in a creative and original way.

We will continue our efforts on this and other topics with marginalized children and teens.

Please continue visiting our reports and thank you for your support!