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Members of the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network, (JYAN) partnered with the Ministry of Education on Friday, February 12, 2010 for a sexuality expo, under the theme; It’s never too late… Smart girls wait. The event was staged during safer sex week and targeted girls and young women, by emphasizing the message of abstinence. The venue chosen was the Half Way Tree Entertainment Complex, an ideal location since its a popular hang-out spot for high school students and youth in Kingston.
The activities included the viewing of booth displays from various organizations such as EVE for Life, The Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Rise Life Management, The Ministry of Education and Children First. The JYAN booth provided brochures and information on the importance of abstinence as well as safer sex practices.
Our iYSO council members were also on hand to provide counseling and interact with the young people present. The members of the council also assisted the Ministry in administering the pre and post test questionnaires, which was essential to assess the success of the intervention. The test covered topics like HIV/AIDS, negotiating condom use, teenage pregnancy and interpersonal relationships.
Members of the iYSO council utilized the information garnered from the youth responses during the test to guide their advocacy throughout the day. They sought to explain what it meant “to wait” on a case by case basis, and provided the most appropriate advice.
Other activities during the day included sensitization talks from the booth holders, performances which supported the message and added to the entertainment package. The music kept the crowd dancing and the MC (also a member of JYAN) maintained the vibe and provided non-stop energy. There were dance competitions and performances which were well received and very entertaining.
At intervals, the speakers and presenters used the opportunity to advocate for safer sex practices for those who were already sexually active or who disagreed with the notion of waiting. This message was simplified to ensure that it was clear to those who were unaware of what it means to have safer sex.
Stickers and T-shirts which depicted the theme; It’s never too late… Smart girl wait were distributed to youth present.
I believe the expo was a good attempt by the Ministry of Education, to impart a positive message and stress abstinence while encouraging safer sex through edutainment.
I am happy that JYAN and iYSO Jamaica was able to contribute to the event to empower young women regarding their sexual decisions.
We don't intend to send the message that girls who have had sex or who have become pregnant are not smart, but seek to encourage young girls that, delaying sex until they are more emotionally and physically mature and able to deal with the consequences is a smart move.
We also explain that this decision is one that must not be made for them, its something they have to decide on themselves.
When we advised young people to wait, we gave our talks on a case by case basis after administering a simple questionnaire which guided our assessment of the individual. We then tried to get a better understanding of their perceptions of sex, relationships and abstinence. Based on the input they provided, our youth advocates were able to share their experiences and empower these young women to make reponsible decisions, regarding their own sexual health.
Our message did not ignore the realities and also admonished the girls who were already sexually active to practise safer sex methods with their partners.
I agree, the message is open for misinterpretation, but I believe the general theme behind the expo helped to instill the fact that our choices have consequences and that although young girls may want to explore and have sex, waiting is the smarter and safer choice.
I welcome your thoughts on this..