Health and Family Life Education Program in Jamaica

 "Preparing for the Vibes in the World of Sexuality"

Changing the behavior of young people requires a method that is stimulating and dynamic, involves the participants in the process, and allows them to make their own decisions.  Ideally, the method should bring about long-term change, but provide some quick, noticeable results.

To help young people make healthy and informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health, FHI partnered with the Jamaica-based Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Ensemble and Academy (Ashe).  Founded in 1993 by two Caribbean artistic directors and 70 talented young Jamaicans, Ashe's mission is to teach audiences about healthy sexual behavior through performances that combine education with entertainment.  The troupe performs Jamaican and Caribbean folk songs, dance, and drumming, while relaying messages about reproductive health, self-respect, and respect for one's partner.

FHI first partnered with Ashe in 1995, providing funding and technical assistance to develop "Preparing for the Vibes in the World of Sexuality."  The songs and dances show the challenges and problems that arise when a group of teenagers on the brink of becoming sexually active are taken on a "journey" into the world of sexuality.  USAID/Jamaica in 1998 supported Ashe, the Jamaican Ministry of Education, and FHI in developing a health and family life education curriculum and training guidance counselors, school nurses, teachers, and youth group leaders to educate young people about reproductive health. 

The "Vibes" methodology, known as the Excite and Involve Young People (EIC) Model, is an effective tool for working with youth in schools.  The EIC Model is an innovative and creative method of teaching, where education comes alive, where young people dance out myths related to sex and sexuality, act out stereotypes, and sing about preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.  In contrast, when teachers and educators use the "talk and chalk" method and preach to their students, it can turn them off and close them up.

For the EIC Model to be effective, the guidance counselor, teacher, or school nurse must trained to be a successful facilitator.  The Vibes methodology helps to desensitize facilitators to issues related to sex and sexuality, including empowerment of self, puberty, masturbation, abstinence, dating, marriage, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, STIs, HIV/AIDS, contraceptive use, gender, homosexuality, and violence.

Since the completion of the "Preparing for the Vibes in the World of Sexuality" manual, more than half of Jamaica's guidance counselors have been trained. Additionally, with assistance from USAID/Jamaica and USAID, Ashe is now reaching out to parents and students throughout the Caribbean, and its materials have been adapted in Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, and Haiti.