One of my favorite new areas of service over the past few years is a Body Education discussion we've had with adolescent girls. While we serve in La Mosca throughout the week, our dormitory is in the nearby community of Hato Del Yaque. This community has many similarities to La Mosca, including extreme poverty, a high crime rate, and low literacy/education rates. It is common for girls in this community to have their first pregnancy at age 14-15. One of the main contributors to these early pregnancies (which can be quite dangerous for these girls) is poor education regarding reproduction, safe sex, and menstruation.
For the past two years, we have met with adolescent girls in the community to discuss these very topics. It's been an incredible experience. Most of these girls believed incredible myths regarding pregnancy and their bodies: standing up after sex will keep you from getting pregnant, going out in the rain while menstruating will cause illness, condoms can cause sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS can be spread through touch.
Please do not mistake these misconceptions for poor intelligence. These girls are so smart - they are inquisitive, eager to learn, and hopeful to change the course of their futures. Teaching these girls about their bodies and reproduction empowers them to take control of their sexuality and health - it gives them an opportunity to emerge from their present circumstances and overcome the barriers within their community.
For the past two years, we have met with adolescent girls in the community to discuss these very topics. It's been an incredible experience. Most of these girls believed incredible myths regarding pregnancy and their bodies: standing up after sex will keep you from getting pregnant, going out in the rain while menstruating will cause illness, condoms can cause sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS can be spread through touch.
Please do not mistake these misconceptions for poor intelligence. These girls are so smart - they are inquisitive, eager to learn, and hopeful to change the course of their futures. Teaching these girls about their bodies and reproduction empowers them to take control of their sexuality and health - it gives them an opportunity to emerge from their present circumstances and overcome the barriers within their community.