College of Agriculture, University of Arizona,
Arizona Land and People, Vol. 47, Number 2
The Issues Come from the PeopleParents in Chinle decided they wanted to help their young people. More specifically, they wanted to reduce the high teenage pregnancy rate. The adults believe that youngsters still in middle school need to learn about dealing with pressures to become sexually active. "We did a vision workshop in Chinle with people from many organizations and groups," reports Joyce Alves, Apache County Extension director responsible for children, youth and family development programs. In fact, in her 12 years in the county, Joyce has discovered adults always want youth programs when they're asked about priorities. The latest Chinle project was made possible by a grant obtained by Sherry Betts, extension family life specialist, from USDA and the State Strengthening Fund, Institute of Cultural Affairs. Young children most often listen to older teenagers. So, the Postponing Sexual Involvement Project tried to give willing, interested teenagers the skills to help younger students. At a 2½-day session coordinated by teachers, the teenagers learned about developing relationship skills; dealing with peer pressure; judging media; saying "no" and still keeping friends; finding alternatives to being sexually active; and being informed about STD's (sexually transmitted diseases). They became better able to teach younger children. Joyce feels very positive about the results. And, she's noticed more adults are talking about the issue with children. "The vision workshop gave direction and focus to the community. When other people came in with their own agendas, we could say 'that's not what people in the community said they wanted.' We were able to stay focused; otherwise we would have gone nowhere." Document part of 1999 Native American Programs in the College of Agriculture |