EmpowerHER (Huanchaco Educational Resources)

The problem we aim to address is the pervasive lack of access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in Huanchaco, Peru, which results in high rates of teen pregnancy, sexual assault, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This challenge is of paramount importance as it transcends geographical boundaries, impacting communities in northern Peru and beyond, ultimately affecting the global well-being.

Scale of the Problem:

1. Teen Pregnancy:

Peru is grappling with one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in South America, with more than 13% of Peruvian girls giving birth before the age of 18. (UNFPA, 2020) This issue not only threatens the health and future prospects of young girls but also perpetuates the cycle of poverty and social inequality.

2. Sexual Assault:

In Peru, sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, with a high number of unreported cases. The Women’s Emergency Centre (CEM) reported over 9,000 cases of sexual assault in girls between 0 and 17 years old and over 4,000 cases in women over 18 years old in 2021. (CEM, 2021). The Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations estimates that between 15 and 16 minors are abused daily in Peru (MIMP, 2022). These numbers are alarming and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual education programs that empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to such incidents.

3. High Rates of STIs:

Peru is experiencing a significant burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a substantial number of young people contracting diseases such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhoea. According to the Ministry of Health in Peru, the prevalence of STIs remains a significant public health concern among young people. (MINSA, 2020)

4. Lack of Comprehensive Education:

The lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education plays a pivotal role in exacerbating these issues. The current education system in Peru often fails to address these crucial aspects of human health and relationships. It tends to be either nonexistent or narrowly focused on girls, often neglecting the equally important role that boys play in achieving a healthier, more equitable society, and placing the full responsibility on women.

Factors Contributing to the Problem:

Several factors contribute to this problem, including:

Cultural Norms: Deep-seated cultural norms in Peru often restrict discussions about sex and reproductive health, making it a taboo subject, especially for adolescents. This results in limited access to accurate information and services.

Inadequate Education: The formal education system provides insufficient sexual and reproductive health education, and the content can be outdated, gender-biassed, and inadequate in addressing the diverse needs of the youth population.

Gender Disparities: The existing efforts to address these issues primarily target girls, leaving boys without the necessary information and awareness. This gender imbalance perpetuates stereotypes, increasing the risk of sexual violence and health issues.

Our solution is an innovative approach to providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to both boys and girls of appropriate ages. In a nutshell, here's how it works:

What is it?

Our program comprises a network of dynamic, community-based clubs centred in and around Huanchaco, with a commitment to integration within local schools where relevant. These clubs are more than just educational spaces; they are vibrant hubs of learning and empowerment.

What does it do?

Our program is a catalyst for empowering youth with the knowledge and skills to make responsible choices about their sexual health. It transcends conventional education by nurturing self-esteem, enhancing decision-making abilities, and addressing a spectrum of issues, including puberty and more. It represents a proactive step toward reducing teen pregnancy, preventing sexual assault, and reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the community.

How it works:

Community-Based Clubs: These clubs serve as inclusive and welcoming spaces where adolescents can engage in holistic learning about sexual and reproductive health. These are not just ordinary clubs; they are vibrant centres of knowledge and self-discovery.

13-Session Workshops: Our program is structured into a series of 13-session workshops, allowing participants to delve deep into the topics. This extended format ensures comprehensive coverage of subjects related to sexual and reproductive health.

Contents: The workshops encompass a diverse array of essential topics, ranging from sexual and reproductive health to self-esteem, decision-making, and puberty. We present this information in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive manner, making it relevant and accessible to all participants.

Peer Mentors: An integral part of our program is the presence of peer mentors, young women who have previously completed the program and are returning to share their knowledge and experiences. They play a key role in offering guidance, support, and relatable insights, creating a supportive and empowering learning environment.

Community Mentors: The workshops are led by community mentors who are well-versed in sexual and reproductive health education. These mentors act as facilitators and knowledgeable sources, ensuring that the sessions are conducted effectively and engagingly.

Holistic Approach: Our program takes a holistic approach to the sessions. We recognize that sexual and reproductive health is not just about biology but also about self-esteem, emotional well-being, and decision-making. As such, we incorporate activities and discussions that foster self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to make informed choices.

Our innovative program is designed to meet young people where they are, right within their communities. It is targeted at both boys and girls, fostering open and informative discussions, enabling them to learn from their peers and community mentors, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthier, more informed lives.

Our commitment to innovation lies in constantly refining and adapting our approach to ensure it remains relevant and effective, thereby setting a new standard for sexual and reproductive health education.

Our solution is laser-focused on serving adolescents between the ages of 12-17 in Huanchaco, Peru, with the goal of directly and meaningfully improving their lives. Adolescents in our community are currently underserved when it comes to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. Here's how our solution addresses their needs and aims to create a lasting impact:

We recognize that this is a critical period in their lives, marked by physical and emotional changes, curiosity, and a need for accurate information and guidance. To cater to the diverse needs of this age group, we plan to organise separate groups for girls and boys at our local recreational centre. Additionally, in local schools and community hubs, we aim to have different age groups, aligning with the adolescents' school years.

Current Lack of Sexual and Reproductive Health Education

Huanchaco's schools currently do not offer sexual and reproductive health education as part of the regular curriculum. This educational gap leaves adolescents without the essential knowledge and skills necessary for their well-being and future prospects. This underservice has wide-ranging consequences, contributing to high rates of teen pregnancy, sexual assault, and sexually transmitted infections.

Addressing the Needs of Underserved Adolescents

Our solution directly addresses the pressing needs of underserved adolescents through the following approaches:

Accessible and Comprehensive Education: Our program fills the educational gap by providing accessible, accurate, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to adolescents.

Empowerment through Information: We empower adolescents with knowledge that equips them to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health, relationships, and well-being. By offering age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based information, we enable them to navigate these critical aspects of their lives with confidence.

Positive and Supportive Learning Environment: Our approach fosters a positive and supportive learning environment where adolescents can openly discuss their questions and concerns. It encourages open dialogue, helping to dispel taboos and providing a safe space for personal growth.

Tailored to Their Needs: Our program directly responds to the needs expressed by adolescents, as identified through surveys and feedback from previous beneficiaries. By listening to and addressing their specific problems, we can provide focused and relevant solutions, ensuring that the content remains relatable and valuable to the target audience.

Inclusion of Peer and Community Mentors: We involve peer mentors, young women who have previously taken the program, and community mentors who are well-versed in sexual and reproductive health education. These mentors play a crucial role in ensuring that adolescents receive guidance, support, and relatable insights, making the program more effective and engaging.

In summary, our solution serves the adolescents of Huanchaco, a group that is currently underserved in terms of sexual and reproductive health education. We aim to directly and meaningfully improve their lives by offering accessible and comprehensive education, empowering them with knowledge, creating a positive learning environment, and responding to their specific needs. By doing so, we envision a community where adolescents are better equipped to make informed choices, experience healthier relationships, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

Our team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution to the target population of adolescents in Huanchaco, Peru. We aren't just professionals with academic credentials; we are deeply connected to these communities, and this connection is at the heart of our ability to serve effectively.

Fifteen Years in the Community:

Otra Cosa Network has been actively engaged with the community in Huanchaco since 2005. Over the course of the past fifteen years, we have developed a profound understanding of the local dynamics, challenges, and needs. Our longstanding presence in the community has allowed us to build trust and establish meaningful relationships with the residents, particularly with adolescents.

Representatives from the Communities:

Crucially, our team representatives are not outsiders; they are from the very communities we serve. This is an essential aspect of our approach, as it ensures that we are within close proximity to the people we aim to serve. We understand their unique cultural and social context, and we can relate to their experiences and challenges.

Understanding and Engagement:

Our team's expertise goes beyond mere academic knowledge. We have cultivated a deep understanding of Peru, specifically Huanchaco, through continuous interaction and collaboration with local residents. We have been working towards our sexual and reproductive health workshops since 2019. During this time, we have continuously engaged in dialogue with community members, including adolescents, to understand their specific needs and concerns.

Meaningful Community Input:

We firmly believe in a community-centred approach. As we develop and refine our solution, we actively seek input, ideas, and agendas from the communities we serve. This collaborative approach is integral to our program's success. It ensures that the content and delivery methods resonate with the adolescents and align with their expectations and requirements.

Comprehensive Study and Feedback:

In our commitment to continuous improvement, we have conducted comprehensive studies and surveys of the results of the workshops we have been running since 2019. By actively seeking feedback from past beneficiaries, we gain valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in our program. This feedback loop enables us to fine-tune our approach, making it more effective and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community.

Overall, our team is deeply connected to the community of Huanchaco, both in terms of our duration of engagement since 2005 and our personal roots in the community. We prioritize listening to and collaborating with the communities we serve, ensuring that our solution is not only well-informed but also meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of those whose lives it seeks to impact. Our proximity and dedication to these communities are at the core of our ability to design and deliver a solution that makes a real difference in the lives of adolescents in Huanchaco.

Our solution has served over 160 girls in Huanchaco and the surrounding areas since the program started.