Health Promoters- Youth Leading Youth

One of the most effective ways to internalize information or truly learn new material is teaching that information to other people. Through our youth health promoters in Poroto, we utilize this idea to facilitate not only the transfer of information, but also the development of leadership practices. The idea of youth health promoters is to train adolescent leaders in important teen-related health issues including teen pregnancy prevention, sex education, drugs and alcohol, and HIV/AIDs prevention. I work with the nurse and other staff from the health post to address these topics during our weekly meetings and the health promoters use this information to plan their own activities and replicas with their peers. The health promoters function as a youth group, facilitating community activities and events, but also transmit this important health information to their peers.

This past month we began health “replicas” with each high school classroom; the health promoters were divided into pairs , chose themes to research, and prepared presentations for their peers. In a survey I administered previously, less than 20% of students indicate they receive adequate health information. When sex-ed or other touchy topics are addressed in schools they often include very limited information or are skimmed over. Teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and other adolescent health issues are extremely prevalent in Poroto, so it’s imperative to distribute health information that will truly impact youth lifestyles. Utilizing peer-to-peer distribution of health knowledge, youth health promoters are able to hone their own leadership skills while serving as role-models for other students. The health promoters have a significant degree of autonomy over their presentations to insure the Information is presented in a way that is relevant and interesting to their fellow students.

Confidence and self-esteem are often lacking among Peruvian youth, but the adolescent health promoters demonstrate a significant degree of self-confidence during these presentations. Not only are they speaking publicly in front of their peers, they are addressing issues that are often considered taboo. Through these sessions a dialogue is being opened about various topics that affect their own personal development, family lives, and future. Together we decided the themes for the replicas, and in addition to the usual (teen pregnancy, STDs/HIV&AIDS, drugs/alcohol, etc) they also chose “love and illusion” which was quite a popular presentation as teenage boys were forced to share their ideas of love with the class. Although there is definitely room for improvement, these initial replicas were a good indication of the growing skills acquired by the youth health promoters. If these kids can stand in front of their peers and confidently talk about sex and other touchy issues, I think they’ll be able to stand up for themselves and their community as leaders.

Feliz Dia de la Mama

I never realized that Mother’s Day was celebrated internationally, but after a year in Peru I shouldn’t be surprised that this holiday also entails an elaborate celebration. Mother’s Day is celebrated on a community level in Poroto, and the teachers and students have been preparing festivities for weeks leading up to the big day. Each classroom prepared a special skit, dance, or sing-a-long to honor their mothers. Intricate costumes, well-rehearsed choreography, and enormous baskets of goodies were all part of the Mother’s Day traditions in Poroto. I attended the show, along with hundreds of other community members and was quite entertained by the performances. The day began with dances from the elementary school students, parading around in ridiculous costumes and dancing to popular Spanish songs. Heartfelt poetry recitations and dramatic prayers were also included in the program. As the high school students began their dances, the show turned PG-13. Girls wore bikini tops and high heels as they shimmied to Reggaeton music and the audience (primarily composed of mothers) looked on, unfazed.

In the spirit of the holiday, my youth groups and I decided to participate in the Mother’s Day celebrations as well. Each group collected canned food and other goodies to fill decorated baskets for mothers in the community. The local government raffles and distributes baskets of food for mothers, but the youth were really excited about providing their very own baskets to include in the celebration.

My health post and I also organized a Mother’s Day event for the pregnant women in our community. We made cake, played music, and the women received free diapers. Peruvians love “palabras” or small speeches for any occasions, so I often find a microphone shoved in my hand at events. Mother’s Day was no exception, so I found myself giving an impromptu speech about the importance of mothers in our lives and the impact they have on our development.

The longer I work in my community the more I realize how important a solid familial structure is. Home life impacts every aspect of a child’s development, and students who have supportive parents are far more likely to succeed than parents who don’t take an active role in their children’s education and social life. Women really are the key to development; an educated woman is far more likely to be able to support her family and make positive choices for her children’s life. Mothers have a huge impact in the health, development, and success of their child, starting even before they are born.

On Mother’s Day I am incredibly grateful for my own mother and the active role she plays in my life. She is strong, loving, selfless, and talented. Growing up with a mom who worked outside the home but made time to hike, do art, ask questions about my thoughts and opinions, go on adventures, and invest in my future made an incredibly huge difference in my life. Happy Mother’s Day!

One Year Post Grad...

One year ago today I was walking across the College of Charleston cistern, wearing a white dress as I shook hands with the dean and clutched my diploma with a smile. During my four years at college Charleston became my second home, and the memories I shared there will stay with me forever. I can remember the flood of emotions running through my body on graduation day. I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience, so saying goodbye to a place that meant so much to me wasn’t easy. The “real world” loomed ahead, and so many uncertainties remained. At this point I knew I would be leaving for Peace Corps in a month, but the concept was still vague and my expectations were hazy. I could have never anticipated the experience that lay ahead; this past year has been filled with so many changes, growth, and new experiences.

Charleston is a beautiful city with so much character and an endless supply of entertainment; beaches, restaurants, music, nightlife, and thousands of people who share similar interests. Although I worked hard and did well, my college experience was a bit of an extended vacation: living in a beautiful historic house, taking weekend beach trips, enjoying friend’s boats, and spending countless hours with my best friends. I can think of few places that contrast more significantly with rural Peru than downtown Charleston. However, in many ways Charleston prepared me for the past year in Peace Corps. In my four years at Charleston I developed my interests and skills, formed meaningful friendships, and most importantly grew confident in myself. As I look back at college and the years before, I can now see the small decisions, relevant conversations, and influential experiences that led me to where I am today.

As I live in a small community without American friends or family, I occasionally find myself longing for the comfort of college and the stability of home. The ability to speak my own language, express myself to people who understand me, and enjoy the basic amenities of America sometimes seem appealing. However, these occasional moments are far outweighed by the new and exciting experiences I’ve had over the past year. The challenges have made me appreciate the little things in life and the successes have allowed me to gain confidence, and the highs and lows have allowed me to grow and change in a positive way. This year has been full of changes and transitions, but it has also been full of new experiences, exciting opportunities, and meaningful relationships. As I walked across the stage on graduation day, I didn’t know what this year would hold. Now, although I’m completely immersed in my Peace Corps experience, I still don’t know what the upcoming year will bring. However, this past year has taught me to take one day at a time, be patient, take risks, and embrace every opportunity and experience.

Mirador Cleanup & Festival de la Cruz

A little kid finishes a candy bar. What do they do with it? Throw it on the ground. An adult finishes a soda. What do they do with it? Throw it on the ground. I have encountered very few people here in Peru who have acquired the habit of disposing garbage properly. Even in the most beautiful places trash is strewn haphazardly in the streets and rivers. Seeing someone throw garbage out the window, on the ground, or in the river strikes a nerve with all Peace Corps volunteers I know.

The question is: what can we do about it?

Telling someone to throw their garbage in a trashcan seems like a simple enough task; however, this basic habit requires several other key components. First of all, a trashcan would be nice. Personally I have found myself clutching a sticky popsicle wrapper for an entire morning, never passing a garbage can. I don’t believe Poroto has a single garbage can in a public location. Access is clearly a problem: we’re working on this issue now with the mayor.

Recently the youth group I work with and I decided to help spruce up the town’s mirador, which is the lookout point at the top of Poroto. The youth wrote official documents requesting paint and brushes, garbage bags, and other supplies. The mayor agreed, and we launched a three day clean-up activity in preparation for the “Festival de la Cruz” which is a town party located at the mirador. After several hours of picking up broken bottles, plastic cups, and snack wrappers I believe all the youth agreed on the importance of proper garbage disposal. This is a small step to address a large problem, but if young people learn the value of caring for their local environment this knowledge will be transmitted through their peers and impact the community.

The “Festival de la Cruz” was celebrated with a fresh coat of paint and a garbage-free atmosphere. True to most Peruvian celebrations, religion and heavy drinking were closely intertwined. The event began in the afternoon with a church service and the distribution of huge quantities of food- including a new plate, patasca, which is essentially boiled corn with animal insides. Not my favorite dish, but I’m becoming quite used to anything. The celebration was accompanied by a large band, who played music throughout the evening as I was shuffled between dance partners. The night continued with a procession through the town and a Castillo of fireworks before I escaped and the partying continued.