Transforming Tutoria

As part of this school year’s programs I will be working during “tutoria” to address various important themes and topics with the youth at Virgen del Carmen. Tutoria is a weekly class dedicated to personal development, and is intended to address topics including sexuality, future planning, etc. However, tutoria often becomes an excuse for the teachers to take a break and the students to do nothing. In an effort to provide more extensive education on important themes such as sexual health and responsible decision making, I’ve partnered with teachers to plan a program for this year’s tutoria. In my surveys I created, less than 20% of students feel they receive sufficient health education. The high rates of alcoholism and teen pregnancy further indicate the need for intervention. Although I firmly believe the most important values are derived from the home, providing students with education and the tools to make responsible decisions can help empower them as they come into their adolescence.

Throughout the upcoming weeks I will continue to plan educational sessions centered on issues including self esteem, assertive communication, changes in adolescence, STDs, HIV/AIDs, and future planning. Although these can be delicate issues, the students all know me fairly well at this point and are more open to participate in these sessions. Additionally, the teachers are more willing to contribute and I also now have the support of a new nurse who will be working with the health post. Although I tend to think more individualized attention and personal relationships are more effective means of changing behavior, it is also important for all students to receive basic health education. Sometimes it can be a simple matter of connecting actions and consequences to help students consider their decisions more carefully.