"Parenting Vibes in the World of Sexuality" in Jamaica

Over the past two and a half years, the Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Ensemble and Academy (Ashe), in collaboration with the Jamaica National Family Planning Board (NFPB), the Coalition for Better Parenting (CBP), Family Health International, and USAID/Jamaica, has developed "Parenting Vibes In The World of Sexuality."  The project introduces new and innovative ways for parents to talk to their children about sex, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and violence. 

The "Parenting Vibes" resource kit, comprised of a manual and videotape, focuses on building the skills of parents through the application of positive parenting tools, such as knowledge, communication, discipline, and example setting.  It also discusses how negative parenting tools—like ignorance, preaching, corporal punishment, and mixed messages—can have damaging effects on children as they maneuver through adolescence. 

The project's objectives are: 1) to train a core group of parent-trainers to work with other parents in using the manual; and 2) to follow-up and evaluate the impact of the "Parenting Vibes" kit throughout Jamaica.  As of early 2003, 20 parents (men and women) have been trained in use of the manual, and, in turn, each of these expert parent-trainers have trained at least 30 more parents in their respective communities.  Ashe also used the "Parenting Vibes" kit in workshops for 140 parents. 

An informal evaluation of the project conducted in December 2002 (three focus group discussions were held with parent-trainers, parents, and their children) showed positive impact of the kit.  A more rigorous evaluation is planned for Spring 2003.