This session will present the experience of Profamilia, a family-planning organization from the Dominican Republic, in reaching young adolescents with information and training on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Profamilia’s youth program was originally based on secondary schools, but resistance to sexuality education led to a change of approach. The program now provides sexuality education and training to youth, community leaders, parents and teachers through neighborhood networks. It trains 200 peer promoters as health educators each year. These young people have formed neighborhood teams in more than 20 poor neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. Apart from providing education, peer educators distribute and sell contraceptives to other young people. The teams work closely with a range of community associations, as well as schoolteachers and counselors. Youth in need of clinical services are referred to Profamilia’s youth clinic.
During 2000, Profamilia developed a manual for peer educators, which is now used throughout Latin America. Neighborhoods in which Profamilia works have been canvassed so as to identify community associations and leaders to partner with. Not only community leaders but also parents have been involved through education activities. Profamilia also reached an agreement with 20 other organizations that now contribute to the recruitment of peer promoters. Along with their regular activities, these organizations should be able to provide SRH information at the end of the project to improve its sustainability and foster community ownership.
At the end of this session, participants will have understood the importance of community involvement for successful SRH programs for youth.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will have understood the importance of comunity involvement for successful sexual and reproductive health for youth
Keywords: Adolescents, Community Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Profamilia Dominican Republic- affiliate of International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.