In addition to my role as the lead on preventable diseases in this project (sounds impressive don’t it?) I also work in one of the centres to facilitate classes for teenagers raging from 9-18 years of age. So, I thought for this week I would adorn my more personal and reflective hat when talking about my experiences working with ChildFund, Niñas San Gabriel, and the rest of the team.
For the last few weeks Ravi, Angie and I have been laying the groundwork for faciliating sessions on sexual rights and health issues. Because sexuality and sexual practice carry a certain weight in Bolivia, we wanted to gauge how much the students already knew, and how much they were intellectually engaging in the topic area. We had a certain level of confidence in their pre-existing knowledge, as there is a fantastic piece of graffiti outside the school of a rather angry looking condom lit up in flames, with the following phrase of stoppardian wit written on the side: “Si quieres acción, usar protección” [If you want action, use protection]. Magical.
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Young people participating in Sillas Caliente |
Being
the clever person that I am (that is
to be read with a little more irony than is conveyed) I gradually
introduced
words that would be relevant for our topic on friendships and peer
pressure.
After a rousing game, ending with the smug, cookie filled, smiles of the
winners, we started a discussion about what makes a good
or bad friend.
Though we started from relatively humble
beginnings, the insights that the girls shared were particularly intricate and
thoughtful. The teens took a hold on the discussion that followed and expertly
weaved in issues concerning: responsibility, confidentiality, the finer points
of what constitutes friends, personal narratives and ways to deflect terrible
influences from interfering with their life. This conversation continued until
we had a wonderful tapestry of experience, insight and contemplation that left
me aghast.Young people at the centre |
Written by Ross Robinson
Edited by Sarah Cassidy
To find out about International Service's ICS projects and stay up to date with our latest activities, please visit our blogs and 'like' our facebook page:
UpClose Bolivia
Aldeas Infantiles - Entrepreneurial Education Aldeas Infantiles: Strengthening Families International Citizen Service - Bolivia Facebook page
To find out about International Service's ICS projects and stay up to date with our latest activities, please visit our blogs and 'like' our facebook page:
UpClose Bolivia
Aldeas Infantiles - Entrepreneurial Education Aldeas Infantiles: Strengthening Families International Citizen Service - Bolivia Facebook page
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