In one small high school on the outskirts of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, nearly 10% of the girls in the senior class are pregnant.  Most of them are 16 years old, and most will not graduate from high school.  We worked in this school and taught the students age- appropriate lessons on self-esteem, positive relationships, fighting peer pressure, and the basics of reproductive health, including how pregnancy happens, how contraception works, and how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. We presented four engaging, interactive lessons to each of the school’s grade levels, encouraging students to think about their lives, goals, plans and dreams. We urged them to delay sexual activity but also provided them with the information they need to protect themselves and stay healthy and in school so that their dreams have a chance.  

 

We made an impact in that school, and we want to work in as many of the public high schools in Puerto Princesa as we can, to help engage and empower as many of the city’s young people as possible. In 2013 we aim to reach 1500 students in two high schools on the outskirts of Puerto Princesa City. Public high schools in the Philippines are truly avenues of social mobility, so it is important to help girls avoid unplanned pregnancies and keep them in school so that they can have healthier and more productive futures. Help us reach these students and give them the knowledge that will help them stay in school!