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Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, St Lucia

Story

Revolutionizing CSE: Latin American and Caribbean Youth Leading the Charge!

The article sheds light on the critical lack of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for young people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through the personal stories of youth advocates Claudia Helena Castro Nieto and Shenelle Mc Donald, it explores the challenges they faced and the transformative impact of CSE.

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Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos
story

| 04 March 2021

"I can always do something to help others"

When Blanca started as a volunteer, she committed to her new role with enthusiasm, thinking about how the women of La Loma village would benefit from being able to access contraceptive methods close to home. “Many women walk up to an hour and a half from the villages of the Guazapa hill, to receive family planning services or to receive counseling,” Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos, 61, says proudly. Her house is a cozy and special place for the clients. “I have been a Pro-Familia volunteer for 29 years, when I started, I had already had my five children, I was busy at home, but when the Pro-Familia staff explained to me about working in my community, I trusted It was important to support women. I have learned a lot and I continue to do so, I have received training that helps me to be a better person, to have knowledge and to give good advice; I have received many people from Pro-Familia in these years, and always with great responsibility”, she says. To ensure her clients’ confidentiality, Blanca has created a private room with a sofa where she provides counseling and administers injectable contraceptive methods. By creating a private space, Blanca has built up trust in the community and women prefer to go to her for contraception and advice. “I am proud to help in my community, I visit clients to see if they have any side effects when they do not come to receive their method, or to know if they are well or to recruit new clients who are encouraged to use a family planning method because their families are already very large”, comments Blanqui, as she is known in her community. The public health facility provides free healthcare, however, women from other local communities prefer to see Blanca because she is closer and offers confidential personalized care. “The Health Unit is not close, so women prefer to plan with me, they come with confidence to apply their method. On their first visit, I ask them a few questions about their health, and if everything is okay, they plan with me. I think that family planning is important for the spacing of the children and that it is not only the use of methods but also communication with the couple”, reflects Blanca. The poverty and patriarchy in these communities present many challenges, including domestic violence, multiple partners, and miscarriage that require a sensitive approach to provision of healthcare and information. Volunteers like Blanca are supported to deal with these challenges through training provided by the Community-Based Program staff. Volunteers develop skills to use referral systems, coordinate with local institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Health, other NGOs, such as the Feminist Women's Collective, the Institute for Research, Training, and Development of Women (IMU), which provide support for cases of violence or care in cases of miscarriage. This approach is integral to the provision of healthcare and support in the communities. The team of volunteers helps to reduce violence and femicides in order to improve the quality of life for women and families. “People in the community tell me that they are grateful for the care I give them, and I will continue to change what I can to improve people's lives. I will continue to make home visits, give counseling because it is a need, women need someone that understands them and helps them. Pro-Familia is part of my life, being a volunteer is something special, I have learned a lot, and the most important thing is that I can help others”, says Blanca. Respect and comfort Blanca is often recommended by her clients. María Ofelia, or Felita, as she likes to be called, comments that “a friend from the community recommended that I visit the Blanqui, I already had two children, one 4-years-old and another 11-year-old. I still remember with deep sadness the moment I looked for her, it was my last pregnancy, and I lost my daughter. Blanqui received me with affection, respect, and comfort, she understood what I was going through, she guided me, and I made the decision to plan until now. I’ve been using the two-month injection for 4 years." María Ofelia says that although she can go to the social security check-up, she prefers to go to Blanca because of the confidence she gives her, “she always takes care of me, and the prices are low, I can pay it, because in other places the methods (contraceptives) are more expensive.”

Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos
story

| 27 March 2024

"I can always do something to help others"

When Blanca started as a volunteer, she committed to her new role with enthusiasm, thinking about how the women of La Loma village would benefit from being able to access contraceptive methods close to home. “Many women walk up to an hour and a half from the villages of the Guazapa hill, to receive family planning services or to receive counseling,” Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos, 61, says proudly. Her house is a cozy and special place for the clients. “I have been a Pro-Familia volunteer for 29 years, when I started, I had already had my five children, I was busy at home, but when the Pro-Familia staff explained to me about working in my community, I trusted It was important to support women. I have learned a lot and I continue to do so, I have received training that helps me to be a better person, to have knowledge and to give good advice; I have received many people from Pro-Familia in these years, and always with great responsibility”, she says. To ensure her clients’ confidentiality, Blanca has created a private room with a sofa where she provides counseling and administers injectable contraceptive methods. By creating a private space, Blanca has built up trust in the community and women prefer to go to her for contraception and advice. “I am proud to help in my community, I visit clients to see if they have any side effects when they do not come to receive their method, or to know if they are well or to recruit new clients who are encouraged to use a family planning method because their families are already very large”, comments Blanqui, as she is known in her community. The public health facility provides free healthcare, however, women from other local communities prefer to see Blanca because she is closer and offers confidential personalized care. “The Health Unit is not close, so women prefer to plan with me, they come with confidence to apply their method. On their first visit, I ask them a few questions about their health, and if everything is okay, they plan with me. I think that family planning is important for the spacing of the children and that it is not only the use of methods but also communication with the couple”, reflects Blanca. The poverty and patriarchy in these communities present many challenges, including domestic violence, multiple partners, and miscarriage that require a sensitive approach to provision of healthcare and information. Volunteers like Blanca are supported to deal with these challenges through training provided by the Community-Based Program staff. Volunteers develop skills to use referral systems, coordinate with local institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Health, other NGOs, such as the Feminist Women's Collective, the Institute for Research, Training, and Development of Women (IMU), which provide support for cases of violence or care in cases of miscarriage. This approach is integral to the provision of healthcare and support in the communities. The team of volunteers helps to reduce violence and femicides in order to improve the quality of life for women and families. “People in the community tell me that they are grateful for the care I give them, and I will continue to change what I can to improve people's lives. I will continue to make home visits, give counseling because it is a need, women need someone that understands them and helps them. Pro-Familia is part of my life, being a volunteer is something special, I have learned a lot, and the most important thing is that I can help others”, says Blanca. Respect and comfort Blanca is often recommended by her clients. María Ofelia, or Felita, as she likes to be called, comments that “a friend from the community recommended that I visit the Blanqui, I already had two children, one 4-years-old and another 11-year-old. I still remember with deep sadness the moment I looked for her, it was my last pregnancy, and I lost my daughter. Blanqui received me with affection, respect, and comfort, she understood what I was going through, she guided me, and I made the decision to plan until now. I’ve been using the two-month injection for 4 years." María Ofelia says that although she can go to the social security check-up, she prefers to go to Blanca because of the confidence she gives her, “she always takes care of me, and the prices are low, I can pay it, because in other places the methods (contraceptives) are more expensive.”

Christan Levene JFPA YAM
story

| 10 February 2021

“There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces."

Christan Levene is committed to helping develop young people as advocates for change. Levene, 26, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) in 2017 by virtue of being employed by the Association with YAM duties forming part of the job’s terms of reference. Levene, now the executive assistant and youth officer with the Association based at the administrative headquarters at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic YAM complements each other in terms of helping to foster the transitioning and development of youth into -confident adults. “FAMPLAN provides the space or capacity for young people who they engage on a regular basis to grow — whether through outreach, rap sessions, educational sessions. The organization provides them with an opportunity to grow and build their capacity as it relates to advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) amongst their other peers,” she said. Though Levene is no longer a member of the group, she remains connected to YAM and ensures she leads by example. Social connectedness “When you have young adults who are part of the organization, who lobby and advocate for the rights of other adults like themselves, then, on the other hand, you are going to have young people like Mario, Candice, and Fiona who advocate for people within their age cohort,” she said. She added, “Transitioning out of the group and working alongside these young folks, I feel as if I can still share some of the realities they share, have one-on-one conversations with them, help them along their journey and also help myself as well, because social connectedness is an important part of your mental health. This group is very, very, very dear to me.” With regards to its impact on her life, Levene said YAM helped her to become more of an extrovert and shaped her confidence. “I was more of an introvert and now I can get up (and) do a wide presentation and engage other people without feeling like I do not have the capacity or expertise to bring across certain issues,” she said. However, Levene shared that there is still a lot of sensitivity around SRHR topics, which limits the conversations YAM is able to have and at times may generate fear among some of the group members. “There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces. Other challenges they [YAM members] may face are personal reservations. Although we provide them with the skillset, certain persons are still more reserved and are not able to be engaging in certain spaces. Sometimes they just want to stay in the back and issue flyers or something behind the scenes rather than being upfront,” she said. But as the main aim of the movement is to develop advocates out of members, Levene’s conviction is helping to strengthen YAMs capacity in this regard. “To advocate you must be able to get up, stand up and speak for the persons who we classify as the voiceless or persons who are vulnerable and marginalised. I think that is one of the limitations as well… Going out and doing an HIV test and having counselling is OK, but as it relates to really standing up and advocating, being able to write a piece and send it to Parliament, being able to make certain submissions like editorial pieces. That needs to be strengthened,” Levene said.

Christan Levene JFPA YAM
story

| 27 March 2024

“There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces."

Christan Levene is committed to helping develop young people as advocates for change. Levene, 26, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) in 2017 by virtue of being employed by the Association with YAM duties forming part of the job’s terms of reference. Levene, now the executive assistant and youth officer with the Association based at the administrative headquarters at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic YAM complements each other in terms of helping to foster the transitioning and development of youth into -confident adults. “FAMPLAN provides the space or capacity for young people who they engage on a regular basis to grow — whether through outreach, rap sessions, educational sessions. The organization provides them with an opportunity to grow and build their capacity as it relates to advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) amongst their other peers,” she said. Though Levene is no longer a member of the group, she remains connected to YAM and ensures she leads by example. Social connectedness “When you have young adults who are part of the organization, who lobby and advocate for the rights of other adults like themselves, then, on the other hand, you are going to have young people like Mario, Candice, and Fiona who advocate for people within their age cohort,” she said. She added, “Transitioning out of the group and working alongside these young folks, I feel as if I can still share some of the realities they share, have one-on-one conversations with them, help them along their journey and also help myself as well, because social connectedness is an important part of your mental health. This group is very, very, very dear to me.” With regards to its impact on her life, Levene said YAM helped her to become more of an extrovert and shaped her confidence. “I was more of an introvert and now I can get up (and) do a wide presentation and engage other people without feeling like I do not have the capacity or expertise to bring across certain issues,” she said. However, Levene shared that there is still a lot of sensitivity around SRHR topics, which limits the conversations YAM is able to have and at times may generate fear among some of the group members. “There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces. Other challenges they [YAM members] may face are personal reservations. Although we provide them with the skillset, certain persons are still more reserved and are not able to be engaging in certain spaces. Sometimes they just want to stay in the back and issue flyers or something behind the scenes rather than being upfront,” she said. But as the main aim of the movement is to develop advocates out of members, Levene’s conviction is helping to strengthen YAMs capacity in this regard. “To advocate you must be able to get up, stand up and speak for the persons who we classify as the voiceless or persons who are vulnerable and marginalised. I think that is one of the limitations as well… Going out and doing an HIV test and having counselling is OK, but as it relates to really standing up and advocating, being able to write a piece and send it to Parliament, being able to make certain submissions like editorial pieces. That needs to be strengthened,” Levene said.

Dr. Stewart McKoy, sitting outside of the Beth Jacobs Family Clinic
story

| 08 February 2021

"We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health”

Dr. Stewart McKoy has dedicated his life to ensuring the needs of both men and women are equally represented in the provision of healthcare at the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA). When Dr. McKoy returned to Jamaica from overseas medical studies in the 1980s, the frustration at the failure of many Jamaican males to use contraception was a continuing concern. This led to him making a strong case for vasectomies to be offered as part of JFPA’s contraceptive options. Whilst the initial response from local males was disheartening, Dr. McKoy took the grassroots approach to get the buy-in of males to consider contraception use. Getting men on board “Someone once said it’s only by varied reiteration that unfamiliar truths can be introduced to reluctant minds. We used to go out into the countryside and give talks. In those times, I came down heavily on men. I remember after one talk, when I was finished, the driver of the JFPA van said they [men] didn’t like what I was saying. I saw a bar outside and went, carried them in, and said drinks on me. By the second round they opened up and were receptive,” he said. The reception would form the catalyst he needed to ensure that men, too, benefitted from sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men were choosing vasectomies if they already had children and didn’t plan to have any more. In addition, Dr. McKoy was an instrumental voice in the Men’s Clinic that was formerly operated by JFPA and also encouraged the inclusion of women at the meetings, in order to increase male participation and uptake of healthcare. “When we as men get sick with our prostate it is women who are going to look after us. But we have to put interest in our own self to offset it before it puts us in that situation where we can’t help yourself. It came down to that and the males eventually started coming. The health education got out and men started confiding more in health services,” he said.   It could be a matter of life or death McKoy said it is important that women use contraception and take their sexual and reproductive health seriously. If neglected, Dr McKoy said it could be a matter of life or death. He refers to a case of a young mother who was complacent towards having pap smears and ended up dying a preventable death as a result of cervical cancer. “Over the years I saw the opportunity to do pap smears out of the clinic. The mobile unit gave us access to so many patients. We had persons who neglected to do it. One patient in particular - she was not yet 30 years old. She had three children and after every delivery, she was told by the hospital to do a pap smear. She didn’t do it and eventually got cervical cancer. When she was to do the pap smear, she didn’t come. One morning they brought her and had to lift her up out of the car. At that time doctors said they couldn’t do anything for her,” Dr. McKoy said while fighting back tears. “It wasn’t necessary. We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health.” That experience was his driving force to continue the work in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Dr. McKoy said the message about family planning, sexual and reproductive health must be continued through education in community outreach projects.

Dr. Stewart McKoy, sitting outside of the Beth Jacobs Family Clinic
story

| 27 March 2024

"We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health”

Dr. Stewart McKoy has dedicated his life to ensuring the needs of both men and women are equally represented in the provision of healthcare at the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA). When Dr. McKoy returned to Jamaica from overseas medical studies in the 1980s, the frustration at the failure of many Jamaican males to use contraception was a continuing concern. This led to him making a strong case for vasectomies to be offered as part of JFPA’s contraceptive options. Whilst the initial response from local males was disheartening, Dr. McKoy took the grassroots approach to get the buy-in of males to consider contraception use. Getting men on board “Someone once said it’s only by varied reiteration that unfamiliar truths can be introduced to reluctant minds. We used to go out into the countryside and give talks. In those times, I came down heavily on men. I remember after one talk, when I was finished, the driver of the JFPA van said they [men] didn’t like what I was saying. I saw a bar outside and went, carried them in, and said drinks on me. By the second round they opened up and were receptive,” he said. The reception would form the catalyst he needed to ensure that men, too, benefitted from sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men were choosing vasectomies if they already had children and didn’t plan to have any more. In addition, Dr. McKoy was an instrumental voice in the Men’s Clinic that was formerly operated by JFPA and also encouraged the inclusion of women at the meetings, in order to increase male participation and uptake of healthcare. “When we as men get sick with our prostate it is women who are going to look after us. But we have to put interest in our own self to offset it before it puts us in that situation where we can’t help yourself. It came down to that and the males eventually started coming. The health education got out and men started confiding more in health services,” he said.   It could be a matter of life or death McKoy said it is important that women use contraception and take their sexual and reproductive health seriously. If neglected, Dr McKoy said it could be a matter of life or death. He refers to a case of a young mother who was complacent towards having pap smears and ended up dying a preventable death as a result of cervical cancer. “Over the years I saw the opportunity to do pap smears out of the clinic. The mobile unit gave us access to so many patients. We had persons who neglected to do it. One patient in particular - she was not yet 30 years old. She had three children and after every delivery, she was told by the hospital to do a pap smear. She didn’t do it and eventually got cervical cancer. When she was to do the pap smear, she didn’t come. One morning they brought her and had to lift her up out of the car. At that time doctors said they couldn’t do anything for her,” Dr. McKoy said while fighting back tears. “It wasn’t necessary. We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health.” That experience was his driving force to continue the work in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Dr. McKoy said the message about family planning, sexual and reproductive health must be continued through education in community outreach projects.

Fiona Francis
story

| 01 February 2021

“They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex”

There is an age-old stigma that surrounds sexual and reproductive health and rights in Jamaica. But for youth officer Fiona Francis, her work in the area is making an impact, one person at a time. I will leave here better than I came Francis, 28, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) in 2017 as a volunteer at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic. This was made possible through a one-year internship with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. “I was placed to be a youth officer, which I never had any knowledge of. Upon getting the role I knew there would be challenges. I was not happy. I wanted a place in the food and beverage industry. I thought to myself, ‘what am I doing here? This has nothing to do with my qualifications’. It was ‘baby mother’ business at the clinic, and I can’t manage the drama,” Francis said. But Francis’ perception of JFPA quickly changed when she was introduced to its Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) and began recruiting members from her own community to join. “I quickly learnt new skills such as social media marketing, logistics skills and administrative skills. In fact, the only thing I can’t do is administer the vaccines. They have provided me with a lot of training here. Right now, I have a Provider Initiative Training and Counselling certificate. I am an HIV tester and counsellor. I volunteer at health fairs and special functions. I will leave here better than I came,” Francis said. Despite the location of the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic being in a challenging area, Francis is adamant her work is to be done, and believes the youth are the vanguards for change. Men feel entitled to their bodies “It’s a volatile area so some clients you have to take a deep breath to deal with them as humans. I am no stranger to the ghetto. I grew up there. The young people will come, and they’ll talk openly about sex. They’ll mention multiple partners. You have to tell them choose two [barrier and hormonal contraception] to be safe, you encourage them to protect themselves,” she said. Many young girls in the community are at risk of sexual grooming, underaged pregnancy, self-harm, and depression. “Sometimes men may lurk after them. There is sexual grooming where men feel entitled to their bodies. A lot are just having sex. They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex.  Many don’t know there are options- like contraceptives. Some don’t know the dangers of multiple sex partners. The challenges are their lifestyle, poverty level, environment, and sex are often transactional to deal with economic struggles,” Francis explained. However, she said YAM has provided a safe space for many young people to learn about, and discuss issues like consent, sexual health and rights, and sexuality to make informed choices But there is a need for more youth volunteers and learned adults to carry the mandate of the JFPA forward. “We need more young people and we definitely need an adult group. Teens can carry the message, but you’re likely to hear parents say, ‘I’ve been through it already’ and not listen. They also need the education YAMs have access to, so they can deal with their children, grandchildren, and educate them about sexual and reproductive health rights. For my first community intervention, a lot of kids came out and had questions to ask. Questions that needed answers. I had to get my colleagues to come and answer,” Francis said. “There’s a lot going through these teenagers’ minds. Through YAM I have developed relationships and become their confidante, so they can call me for anything. The movement is impacting. It helped me with my life and now I can pass it down. YAM can go a long way with the right persons. Whatever we do we do it with fun and education – edutainment,” she said.

Fiona Francis
story

| 27 March 2024

“They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex”

There is an age-old stigma that surrounds sexual and reproductive health and rights in Jamaica. But for youth officer Fiona Francis, her work in the area is making an impact, one person at a time. I will leave here better than I came Francis, 28, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) in 2017 as a volunteer at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic. This was made possible through a one-year internship with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. “I was placed to be a youth officer, which I never had any knowledge of. Upon getting the role I knew there would be challenges. I was not happy. I wanted a place in the food and beverage industry. I thought to myself, ‘what am I doing here? This has nothing to do with my qualifications’. It was ‘baby mother’ business at the clinic, and I can’t manage the drama,” Francis said. But Francis’ perception of JFPA quickly changed when she was introduced to its Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) and began recruiting members from her own community to join. “I quickly learnt new skills such as social media marketing, logistics skills and administrative skills. In fact, the only thing I can’t do is administer the vaccines. They have provided me with a lot of training here. Right now, I have a Provider Initiative Training and Counselling certificate. I am an HIV tester and counsellor. I volunteer at health fairs and special functions. I will leave here better than I came,” Francis said. Despite the location of the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic being in a challenging area, Francis is adamant her work is to be done, and believes the youth are the vanguards for change. Men feel entitled to their bodies “It’s a volatile area so some clients you have to take a deep breath to deal with them as humans. I am no stranger to the ghetto. I grew up there. The young people will come, and they’ll talk openly about sex. They’ll mention multiple partners. You have to tell them choose two [barrier and hormonal contraception] to be safe, you encourage them to protect themselves,” she said. Many young girls in the community are at risk of sexual grooming, underaged pregnancy, self-harm, and depression. “Sometimes men may lurk after them. There is sexual grooming where men feel entitled to their bodies. A lot are just having sex. They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex.  Many don’t know there are options- like contraceptives. Some don’t know the dangers of multiple sex partners. The challenges are their lifestyle, poverty level, environment, and sex are often transactional to deal with economic struggles,” Francis explained. However, she said YAM has provided a safe space for many young people to learn about, and discuss issues like consent, sexual health and rights, and sexuality to make informed choices But there is a need for more youth volunteers and learned adults to carry the mandate of the JFPA forward. “We need more young people and we definitely need an adult group. Teens can carry the message, but you’re likely to hear parents say, ‘I’ve been through it already’ and not listen. They also need the education YAMs have access to, so they can deal with their children, grandchildren, and educate them about sexual and reproductive health rights. For my first community intervention, a lot of kids came out and had questions to ask. Questions that needed answers. I had to get my colleagues to come and answer,” Francis said. “There’s a lot going through these teenagers’ minds. Through YAM I have developed relationships and become their confidante, so they can call me for anything. The movement is impacting. It helped me with my life and now I can pass it down. YAM can go a long way with the right persons. Whatever we do we do it with fun and education – edutainment,” she said.

Mario Boothe
story

| 21 January 2021

“The biggest issue is misinformation”

‘Are you interested in advocacy and reproductive health and rights?’ These were the words which caught Mario Boothe’s attention and prompted him to sign up to be part of the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) five years ago. At the time, Boothe was 22 and fresh out of college, searching for opportunities to gain experience. It’s so much more than sex and condoms “I was on Facebook looking at different things young people can do, and it popped up. I had just left college with an Associate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I was unemployed and I just wanted to be active, give myself the opportunity to learn and find something I can give my time to and gain from it,” Boothe said. Being no stranger to volunteerism and having a desire to do advocacy, Boothe decided to sign up for YAM to get a new experience and broaden his knowledge base. “It’s so much more than sex and condoms. It’s really human rights and integrated in everything we do. Reproductive health affects the population, it affects your income, your family planning, how people have access to rights. It cuts across men, women, LGBT people and encompasses everything. My love for working with YAM and being an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights deepened and I could expand further in my outreach,” he said. Now, Boothe has no regrets with his decision as he has gained a second family and a safe space, he can call home. Additionally, YAM has equipped him with skills and given him opportunities he would otherwise not have. “I have done public speaking which has opened lots of doors for me. I have traveled and met with other Caribbean people about issues [around SRHR]. There’s an appreciation for diversity as you deal with lots of people when you go out into communities, so you learn to break down walls and you learn how to communicate with different people,” Boothe said. With YAM, Boothe has delivered projects, presentations with schools and churches, and training sessions in condom use and addressing other sexual health issues. Reluctance to talk about sex But, the greatest challenge to his advocacy is people’s reluctance to talk about sex. “Once they hear sex it’s kind of a behind the door situation with everybody, but they are interested in getting condoms,” he said. “When it comes to that it is breaking taboo in people’s minds and it might not be something people readily accept at the time. LGBT rights, access to condoms and access to reproductive health for young people at a certain age — many people don’t appreciate those things in Jamaica.” Other challenges regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, Boothe said, include access and misinformation. “Within the framework of the family and giving youth individual rights to access their own reproductive health. So, can they go to a doctor, nurse without worrying if they are old enough or if the doctor or nurse will talk back to the parents? Access is about giving them the knowledge and empowering them to go for what they need. “The stigma is the misinformation. If you’re going to the clinic people automatically assume, you’re doing an HIV/AIDS test or abortion. [So] after the community empowerment, because of the stigma maybe 15 per cent will respond and come to the clinic. The biggest issue is misinformation,” Boothe said, adding that diversification of the content and how messages are shaped could possibly help. To address these issues Boothe wants to see more young people involved in advocacy and helping to push the message of JFPA in a diversified way. “It is a satisfying thing to do both for your own self development and community development. You’re building a network. If you put yourself out there you don’t know what can happen,” he said.

Mario Boothe
story

| 27 March 2024

“The biggest issue is misinformation”

‘Are you interested in advocacy and reproductive health and rights?’ These were the words which caught Mario Boothe’s attention and prompted him to sign up to be part of the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) five years ago. At the time, Boothe was 22 and fresh out of college, searching for opportunities to gain experience. It’s so much more than sex and condoms “I was on Facebook looking at different things young people can do, and it popped up. I had just left college with an Associate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I was unemployed and I just wanted to be active, give myself the opportunity to learn and find something I can give my time to and gain from it,” Boothe said. Being no stranger to volunteerism and having a desire to do advocacy, Boothe decided to sign up for YAM to get a new experience and broaden his knowledge base. “It’s so much more than sex and condoms. It’s really human rights and integrated in everything we do. Reproductive health affects the population, it affects your income, your family planning, how people have access to rights. It cuts across men, women, LGBT people and encompasses everything. My love for working with YAM and being an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights deepened and I could expand further in my outreach,” he said. Now, Boothe has no regrets with his decision as he has gained a second family and a safe space, he can call home. Additionally, YAM has equipped him with skills and given him opportunities he would otherwise not have. “I have done public speaking which has opened lots of doors for me. I have traveled and met with other Caribbean people about issues [around SRHR]. There’s an appreciation for diversity as you deal with lots of people when you go out into communities, so you learn to break down walls and you learn how to communicate with different people,” Boothe said. With YAM, Boothe has delivered projects, presentations with schools and churches, and training sessions in condom use and addressing other sexual health issues. Reluctance to talk about sex But, the greatest challenge to his advocacy is people’s reluctance to talk about sex. “Once they hear sex it’s kind of a behind the door situation with everybody, but they are interested in getting condoms,” he said. “When it comes to that it is breaking taboo in people’s minds and it might not be something people readily accept at the time. LGBT rights, access to condoms and access to reproductive health for young people at a certain age — many people don’t appreciate those things in Jamaica.” Other challenges regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, Boothe said, include access and misinformation. “Within the framework of the family and giving youth individual rights to access their own reproductive health. So, can they go to a doctor, nurse without worrying if they are old enough or if the doctor or nurse will talk back to the parents? Access is about giving them the knowledge and empowering them to go for what they need. “The stigma is the misinformation. If you’re going to the clinic people automatically assume, you’re doing an HIV/AIDS test or abortion. [So] after the community empowerment, because of the stigma maybe 15 per cent will respond and come to the clinic. The biggest issue is misinformation,” Boothe said, adding that diversification of the content and how messages are shaped could possibly help. To address these issues Boothe wants to see more young people involved in advocacy and helping to push the message of JFPA in a diversified way. “It is a satisfying thing to do both for your own self development and community development. You’re building a network. If you put yourself out there you don’t know what can happen,” he said.

Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos
story

| 04 March 2021

"I can always do something to help others"

When Blanca started as a volunteer, she committed to her new role with enthusiasm, thinking about how the women of La Loma village would benefit from being able to access contraceptive methods close to home. “Many women walk up to an hour and a half from the villages of the Guazapa hill, to receive family planning services or to receive counseling,” Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos, 61, says proudly. Her house is a cozy and special place for the clients. “I have been a Pro-Familia volunteer for 29 years, when I started, I had already had my five children, I was busy at home, but when the Pro-Familia staff explained to me about working in my community, I trusted It was important to support women. I have learned a lot and I continue to do so, I have received training that helps me to be a better person, to have knowledge and to give good advice; I have received many people from Pro-Familia in these years, and always with great responsibility”, she says. To ensure her clients’ confidentiality, Blanca has created a private room with a sofa where she provides counseling and administers injectable contraceptive methods. By creating a private space, Blanca has built up trust in the community and women prefer to go to her for contraception and advice. “I am proud to help in my community, I visit clients to see if they have any side effects when they do not come to receive their method, or to know if they are well or to recruit new clients who are encouraged to use a family planning method because their families are already very large”, comments Blanqui, as she is known in her community. The public health facility provides free healthcare, however, women from other local communities prefer to see Blanca because she is closer and offers confidential personalized care. “The Health Unit is not close, so women prefer to plan with me, they come with confidence to apply their method. On their first visit, I ask them a few questions about their health, and if everything is okay, they plan with me. I think that family planning is important for the spacing of the children and that it is not only the use of methods but also communication with the couple”, reflects Blanca. The poverty and patriarchy in these communities present many challenges, including domestic violence, multiple partners, and miscarriage that require a sensitive approach to provision of healthcare and information. Volunteers like Blanca are supported to deal with these challenges through training provided by the Community-Based Program staff. Volunteers develop skills to use referral systems, coordinate with local institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Health, other NGOs, such as the Feminist Women's Collective, the Institute for Research, Training, and Development of Women (IMU), which provide support for cases of violence or care in cases of miscarriage. This approach is integral to the provision of healthcare and support in the communities. The team of volunteers helps to reduce violence and femicides in order to improve the quality of life for women and families. “People in the community tell me that they are grateful for the care I give them, and I will continue to change what I can to improve people's lives. I will continue to make home visits, give counseling because it is a need, women need someone that understands them and helps them. Pro-Familia is part of my life, being a volunteer is something special, I have learned a lot, and the most important thing is that I can help others”, says Blanca. Respect and comfort Blanca is often recommended by her clients. María Ofelia, or Felita, as she likes to be called, comments that “a friend from the community recommended that I visit the Blanqui, I already had two children, one 4-years-old and another 11-year-old. I still remember with deep sadness the moment I looked for her, it was my last pregnancy, and I lost my daughter. Blanqui received me with affection, respect, and comfort, she understood what I was going through, she guided me, and I made the decision to plan until now. I’ve been using the two-month injection for 4 years." María Ofelia says that although she can go to the social security check-up, she prefers to go to Blanca because of the confidence she gives her, “she always takes care of me, and the prices are low, I can pay it, because in other places the methods (contraceptives) are more expensive.”

Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos
story

| 27 March 2024

"I can always do something to help others"

When Blanca started as a volunteer, she committed to her new role with enthusiasm, thinking about how the women of La Loma village would benefit from being able to access contraceptive methods close to home. “Many women walk up to an hour and a half from the villages of the Guazapa hill, to receive family planning services or to receive counseling,” Blanca Edith Mendoza Ramos, 61, says proudly. Her house is a cozy and special place for the clients. “I have been a Pro-Familia volunteer for 29 years, when I started, I had already had my five children, I was busy at home, but when the Pro-Familia staff explained to me about working in my community, I trusted It was important to support women. I have learned a lot and I continue to do so, I have received training that helps me to be a better person, to have knowledge and to give good advice; I have received many people from Pro-Familia in these years, and always with great responsibility”, she says. To ensure her clients’ confidentiality, Blanca has created a private room with a sofa where she provides counseling and administers injectable contraceptive methods. By creating a private space, Blanca has built up trust in the community and women prefer to go to her for contraception and advice. “I am proud to help in my community, I visit clients to see if they have any side effects when they do not come to receive their method, or to know if they are well or to recruit new clients who are encouraged to use a family planning method because their families are already very large”, comments Blanqui, as she is known in her community. The public health facility provides free healthcare, however, women from other local communities prefer to see Blanca because she is closer and offers confidential personalized care. “The Health Unit is not close, so women prefer to plan with me, they come with confidence to apply their method. On their first visit, I ask them a few questions about their health, and if everything is okay, they plan with me. I think that family planning is important for the spacing of the children and that it is not only the use of methods but also communication with the couple”, reflects Blanca. The poverty and patriarchy in these communities present many challenges, including domestic violence, multiple partners, and miscarriage that require a sensitive approach to provision of healthcare and information. Volunteers like Blanca are supported to deal with these challenges through training provided by the Community-Based Program staff. Volunteers develop skills to use referral systems, coordinate with local institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Health, other NGOs, such as the Feminist Women's Collective, the Institute for Research, Training, and Development of Women (IMU), which provide support for cases of violence or care in cases of miscarriage. This approach is integral to the provision of healthcare and support in the communities. The team of volunteers helps to reduce violence and femicides in order to improve the quality of life for women and families. “People in the community tell me that they are grateful for the care I give them, and I will continue to change what I can to improve people's lives. I will continue to make home visits, give counseling because it is a need, women need someone that understands them and helps them. Pro-Familia is part of my life, being a volunteer is something special, I have learned a lot, and the most important thing is that I can help others”, says Blanca. Respect and comfort Blanca is often recommended by her clients. María Ofelia, or Felita, as she likes to be called, comments that “a friend from the community recommended that I visit the Blanqui, I already had two children, one 4-years-old and another 11-year-old. I still remember with deep sadness the moment I looked for her, it was my last pregnancy, and I lost my daughter. Blanqui received me with affection, respect, and comfort, she understood what I was going through, she guided me, and I made the decision to plan until now. I’ve been using the two-month injection for 4 years." María Ofelia says that although she can go to the social security check-up, she prefers to go to Blanca because of the confidence she gives her, “she always takes care of me, and the prices are low, I can pay it, because in other places the methods (contraceptives) are more expensive.”

Christan Levene JFPA YAM
story

| 10 February 2021

“There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces."

Christan Levene is committed to helping develop young people as advocates for change. Levene, 26, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) in 2017 by virtue of being employed by the Association with YAM duties forming part of the job’s terms of reference. Levene, now the executive assistant and youth officer with the Association based at the administrative headquarters at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic YAM complements each other in terms of helping to foster the transitioning and development of youth into -confident adults. “FAMPLAN provides the space or capacity for young people who they engage on a regular basis to grow — whether through outreach, rap sessions, educational sessions. The organization provides them with an opportunity to grow and build their capacity as it relates to advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) amongst their other peers,” she said. Though Levene is no longer a member of the group, she remains connected to YAM and ensures she leads by example. Social connectedness “When you have young adults who are part of the organization, who lobby and advocate for the rights of other adults like themselves, then, on the other hand, you are going to have young people like Mario, Candice, and Fiona who advocate for people within their age cohort,” she said. She added, “Transitioning out of the group and working alongside these young folks, I feel as if I can still share some of the realities they share, have one-on-one conversations with them, help them along their journey and also help myself as well, because social connectedness is an important part of your mental health. This group is very, very, very dear to me.” With regards to its impact on her life, Levene said YAM helped her to become more of an extrovert and shaped her confidence. “I was more of an introvert and now I can get up (and) do a wide presentation and engage other people without feeling like I do not have the capacity or expertise to bring across certain issues,” she said. However, Levene shared that there is still a lot of sensitivity around SRHR topics, which limits the conversations YAM is able to have and at times may generate fear among some of the group members. “There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces. Other challenges they [YAM members] may face are personal reservations. Although we provide them with the skillset, certain persons are still more reserved and are not able to be engaging in certain spaces. Sometimes they just want to stay in the back and issue flyers or something behind the scenes rather than being upfront,” she said. But as the main aim of the movement is to develop advocates out of members, Levene’s conviction is helping to strengthen YAMs capacity in this regard. “To advocate you must be able to get up, stand up and speak for the persons who we classify as the voiceless or persons who are vulnerable and marginalised. I think that is one of the limitations as well… Going out and doing an HIV test and having counselling is OK, but as it relates to really standing up and advocating, being able to write a piece and send it to Parliament, being able to make certain submissions like editorial pieces. That needs to be strengthened,” Levene said.

Christan Levene JFPA YAM
story

| 27 March 2024

“There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces."

Christan Levene is committed to helping develop young people as advocates for change. Levene, 26, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) in 2017 by virtue of being employed by the Association with YAM duties forming part of the job’s terms of reference. Levene, now the executive assistant and youth officer with the Association based at the administrative headquarters at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic YAM complements each other in terms of helping to foster the transitioning and development of youth into -confident adults. “FAMPLAN provides the space or capacity for young people who they engage on a regular basis to grow — whether through outreach, rap sessions, educational sessions. The organization provides them with an opportunity to grow and build their capacity as it relates to advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) amongst their other peers,” she said. Though Levene is no longer a member of the group, she remains connected to YAM and ensures she leads by example. Social connectedness “When you have young adults who are part of the organization, who lobby and advocate for the rights of other adults like themselves, then, on the other hand, you are going to have young people like Mario, Candice, and Fiona who advocate for people within their age cohort,” she said. She added, “Transitioning out of the group and working alongside these young folks, I feel as if I can still share some of the realities they share, have one-on-one conversations with them, help them along their journey and also help myself as well, because social connectedness is an important part of your mental health. This group is very, very, very dear to me.” With regards to its impact on her life, Levene said YAM helped her to become more of an extrovert and shaped her confidence. “I was more of an introvert and now I can get up (and) do a wide presentation and engage other people without feeling like I do not have the capacity or expertise to bring across certain issues,” she said. However, Levene shared that there is still a lot of sensitivity around SRHR topics, which limits the conversations YAM is able to have and at times may generate fear among some of the group members. “There are still certain sensitive topics that still present an issue when trying to bring it forward in certain spaces. Other challenges they [YAM members] may face are personal reservations. Although we provide them with the skillset, certain persons are still more reserved and are not able to be engaging in certain spaces. Sometimes they just want to stay in the back and issue flyers or something behind the scenes rather than being upfront,” she said. But as the main aim of the movement is to develop advocates out of members, Levene’s conviction is helping to strengthen YAMs capacity in this regard. “To advocate you must be able to get up, stand up and speak for the persons who we classify as the voiceless or persons who are vulnerable and marginalised. I think that is one of the limitations as well… Going out and doing an HIV test and having counselling is OK, but as it relates to really standing up and advocating, being able to write a piece and send it to Parliament, being able to make certain submissions like editorial pieces. That needs to be strengthened,” Levene said.

Dr. Stewart McKoy, sitting outside of the Beth Jacobs Family Clinic
story

| 08 February 2021

"We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health”

Dr. Stewart McKoy has dedicated his life to ensuring the needs of both men and women are equally represented in the provision of healthcare at the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA). When Dr. McKoy returned to Jamaica from overseas medical studies in the 1980s, the frustration at the failure of many Jamaican males to use contraception was a continuing concern. This led to him making a strong case for vasectomies to be offered as part of JFPA’s contraceptive options. Whilst the initial response from local males was disheartening, Dr. McKoy took the grassroots approach to get the buy-in of males to consider contraception use. Getting men on board “Someone once said it’s only by varied reiteration that unfamiliar truths can be introduced to reluctant minds. We used to go out into the countryside and give talks. In those times, I came down heavily on men. I remember after one talk, when I was finished, the driver of the JFPA van said they [men] didn’t like what I was saying. I saw a bar outside and went, carried them in, and said drinks on me. By the second round they opened up and were receptive,” he said. The reception would form the catalyst he needed to ensure that men, too, benefitted from sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men were choosing vasectomies if they already had children and didn’t plan to have any more. In addition, Dr. McKoy was an instrumental voice in the Men’s Clinic that was formerly operated by JFPA and also encouraged the inclusion of women at the meetings, in order to increase male participation and uptake of healthcare. “When we as men get sick with our prostate it is women who are going to look after us. But we have to put interest in our own self to offset it before it puts us in that situation where we can’t help yourself. It came down to that and the males eventually started coming. The health education got out and men started confiding more in health services,” he said.   It could be a matter of life or death McKoy said it is important that women use contraception and take their sexual and reproductive health seriously. If neglected, Dr McKoy said it could be a matter of life or death. He refers to a case of a young mother who was complacent towards having pap smears and ended up dying a preventable death as a result of cervical cancer. “Over the years I saw the opportunity to do pap smears out of the clinic. The mobile unit gave us access to so many patients. We had persons who neglected to do it. One patient in particular - she was not yet 30 years old. She had three children and after every delivery, she was told by the hospital to do a pap smear. She didn’t do it and eventually got cervical cancer. When she was to do the pap smear, she didn’t come. One morning they brought her and had to lift her up out of the car. At that time doctors said they couldn’t do anything for her,” Dr. McKoy said while fighting back tears. “It wasn’t necessary. We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health.” That experience was his driving force to continue the work in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Dr. McKoy said the message about family planning, sexual and reproductive health must be continued through education in community outreach projects.

Dr. Stewart McKoy, sitting outside of the Beth Jacobs Family Clinic
story

| 27 March 2024

"We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health”

Dr. Stewart McKoy has dedicated his life to ensuring the needs of both men and women are equally represented in the provision of healthcare at the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA). When Dr. McKoy returned to Jamaica from overseas medical studies in the 1980s, the frustration at the failure of many Jamaican males to use contraception was a continuing concern. This led to him making a strong case for vasectomies to be offered as part of JFPA’s contraceptive options. Whilst the initial response from local males was disheartening, Dr. McKoy took the grassroots approach to get the buy-in of males to consider contraception use. Getting men on board “Someone once said it’s only by varied reiteration that unfamiliar truths can be introduced to reluctant minds. We used to go out into the countryside and give talks. In those times, I came down heavily on men. I remember after one talk, when I was finished, the driver of the JFPA van said they [men] didn’t like what I was saying. I saw a bar outside and went, carried them in, and said drinks on me. By the second round they opened up and were receptive,” he said. The reception would form the catalyst he needed to ensure that men, too, benefitted from sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men were choosing vasectomies if they already had children and didn’t plan to have any more. In addition, Dr. McKoy was an instrumental voice in the Men’s Clinic that was formerly operated by JFPA and also encouraged the inclusion of women at the meetings, in order to increase male participation and uptake of healthcare. “When we as men get sick with our prostate it is women who are going to look after us. But we have to put interest in our own self to offset it before it puts us in that situation where we can’t help yourself. It came down to that and the males eventually started coming. The health education got out and men started confiding more in health services,” he said.   It could be a matter of life or death McKoy said it is important that women use contraception and take their sexual and reproductive health seriously. If neglected, Dr McKoy said it could be a matter of life or death. He refers to a case of a young mother who was complacent towards having pap smears and ended up dying a preventable death as a result of cervical cancer. “Over the years I saw the opportunity to do pap smears out of the clinic. The mobile unit gave us access to so many patients. We had persons who neglected to do it. One patient in particular - she was not yet 30 years old. She had three children and after every delivery, she was told by the hospital to do a pap smear. She didn’t do it and eventually got cervical cancer. When she was to do the pap smear, she didn’t come. One morning they brought her and had to lift her up out of the car. At that time doctors said they couldn’t do anything for her,” Dr. McKoy said while fighting back tears. “It wasn’t necessary. We had to go out more to meet people, educate them teach them the importance of sexual and reproductive health.” That experience was his driving force to continue the work in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Dr. McKoy said the message about family planning, sexual and reproductive health must be continued through education in community outreach projects.

Fiona Francis
story

| 01 February 2021

“They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex”

There is an age-old stigma that surrounds sexual and reproductive health and rights in Jamaica. But for youth officer Fiona Francis, her work in the area is making an impact, one person at a time. I will leave here better than I came Francis, 28, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) in 2017 as a volunteer at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic. This was made possible through a one-year internship with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. “I was placed to be a youth officer, which I never had any knowledge of. Upon getting the role I knew there would be challenges. I was not happy. I wanted a place in the food and beverage industry. I thought to myself, ‘what am I doing here? This has nothing to do with my qualifications’. It was ‘baby mother’ business at the clinic, and I can’t manage the drama,” Francis said. But Francis’ perception of JFPA quickly changed when she was introduced to its Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) and began recruiting members from her own community to join. “I quickly learnt new skills such as social media marketing, logistics skills and administrative skills. In fact, the only thing I can’t do is administer the vaccines. They have provided me with a lot of training here. Right now, I have a Provider Initiative Training and Counselling certificate. I am an HIV tester and counsellor. I volunteer at health fairs and special functions. I will leave here better than I came,” Francis said. Despite the location of the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic being in a challenging area, Francis is adamant her work is to be done, and believes the youth are the vanguards for change. Men feel entitled to their bodies “It’s a volatile area so some clients you have to take a deep breath to deal with them as humans. I am no stranger to the ghetto. I grew up there. The young people will come, and they’ll talk openly about sex. They’ll mention multiple partners. You have to tell them choose two [barrier and hormonal contraception] to be safe, you encourage them to protect themselves,” she said. Many young girls in the community are at risk of sexual grooming, underaged pregnancy, self-harm, and depression. “Sometimes men may lurk after them. There is sexual grooming where men feel entitled to their bodies. A lot are just having sex. They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex.  Many don’t know there are options- like contraceptives. Some don’t know the dangers of multiple sex partners. The challenges are their lifestyle, poverty level, environment, and sex are often transactional to deal with economic struggles,” Francis explained. However, she said YAM has provided a safe space for many young people to learn about, and discuss issues like consent, sexual health and rights, and sexuality to make informed choices But there is a need for more youth volunteers and learned adults to carry the mandate of the JFPA forward. “We need more young people and we definitely need an adult group. Teens can carry the message, but you’re likely to hear parents say, ‘I’ve been through it already’ and not listen. They also need the education YAMs have access to, so they can deal with their children, grandchildren, and educate them about sexual and reproductive health rights. For my first community intervention, a lot of kids came out and had questions to ask. Questions that needed answers. I had to get my colleagues to come and answer,” Francis said. “There’s a lot going through these teenagers’ minds. Through YAM I have developed relationships and become their confidante, so they can call me for anything. The movement is impacting. It helped me with my life and now I can pass it down. YAM can go a long way with the right persons. Whatever we do we do it with fun and education – edutainment,” she said.

Fiona Francis
story

| 27 March 2024

“They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex”

There is an age-old stigma that surrounds sexual and reproductive health and rights in Jamaica. But for youth officer Fiona Francis, her work in the area is making an impact, one person at a time. I will leave here better than I came Francis, 28, joined the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) in 2017 as a volunteer at the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic. This was made possible through a one-year internship with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. “I was placed to be a youth officer, which I never had any knowledge of. Upon getting the role I knew there would be challenges. I was not happy. I wanted a place in the food and beverage industry. I thought to myself, ‘what am I doing here? This has nothing to do with my qualifications’. It was ‘baby mother’ business at the clinic, and I can’t manage the drama,” Francis said. But Francis’ perception of JFPA quickly changed when she was introduced to its Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) and began recruiting members from her own community to join. “I quickly learnt new skills such as social media marketing, logistics skills and administrative skills. In fact, the only thing I can’t do is administer the vaccines. They have provided me with a lot of training here. Right now, I have a Provider Initiative Training and Counselling certificate. I am an HIV tester and counsellor. I volunteer at health fairs and special functions. I will leave here better than I came,” Francis said. Despite the location of the Lenworth Jacobs Clinic being in a challenging area, Francis is adamant her work is to be done, and believes the youth are the vanguards for change. Men feel entitled to their bodies “It’s a volatile area so some clients you have to take a deep breath to deal with them as humans. I am no stranger to the ghetto. I grew up there. The young people will come, and they’ll talk openly about sex. They’ll mention multiple partners. You have to tell them choose two [barrier and hormonal contraception] to be safe, you encourage them to protect themselves,” she said. Many young girls in the community are at risk of sexual grooming, underaged pregnancy, self-harm, and depression. “Sometimes men may lurk after them. There is sexual grooming where men feel entitled to their bodies. A lot are just having sex. They don’t know the consequences or the sickness and potential diseases that can come as a result of unprotected sex.  Many don’t know there are options- like contraceptives. Some don’t know the dangers of multiple sex partners. The challenges are their lifestyle, poverty level, environment, and sex are often transactional to deal with economic struggles,” Francis explained. However, she said YAM has provided a safe space for many young people to learn about, and discuss issues like consent, sexual health and rights, and sexuality to make informed choices But there is a need for more youth volunteers and learned adults to carry the mandate of the JFPA forward. “We need more young people and we definitely need an adult group. Teens can carry the message, but you’re likely to hear parents say, ‘I’ve been through it already’ and not listen. They also need the education YAMs have access to, so they can deal with their children, grandchildren, and educate them about sexual and reproductive health rights. For my first community intervention, a lot of kids came out and had questions to ask. Questions that needed answers. I had to get my colleagues to come and answer,” Francis said. “There’s a lot going through these teenagers’ minds. Through YAM I have developed relationships and become their confidante, so they can call me for anything. The movement is impacting. It helped me with my life and now I can pass it down. YAM can go a long way with the right persons. Whatever we do we do it with fun and education – edutainment,” she said.

Mario Boothe
story

| 21 January 2021

“The biggest issue is misinformation”

‘Are you interested in advocacy and reproductive health and rights?’ These were the words which caught Mario Boothe’s attention and prompted him to sign up to be part of the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) five years ago. At the time, Boothe was 22 and fresh out of college, searching for opportunities to gain experience. It’s so much more than sex and condoms “I was on Facebook looking at different things young people can do, and it popped up. I had just left college with an Associate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I was unemployed and I just wanted to be active, give myself the opportunity to learn and find something I can give my time to and gain from it,” Boothe said. Being no stranger to volunteerism and having a desire to do advocacy, Boothe decided to sign up for YAM to get a new experience and broaden his knowledge base. “It’s so much more than sex and condoms. It’s really human rights and integrated in everything we do. Reproductive health affects the population, it affects your income, your family planning, how people have access to rights. It cuts across men, women, LGBT people and encompasses everything. My love for working with YAM and being an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights deepened and I could expand further in my outreach,” he said. Now, Boothe has no regrets with his decision as he has gained a second family and a safe space, he can call home. Additionally, YAM has equipped him with skills and given him opportunities he would otherwise not have. “I have done public speaking which has opened lots of doors for me. I have traveled and met with other Caribbean people about issues [around SRHR]. There’s an appreciation for diversity as you deal with lots of people when you go out into communities, so you learn to break down walls and you learn how to communicate with different people,” Boothe said. With YAM, Boothe has delivered projects, presentations with schools and churches, and training sessions in condom use and addressing other sexual health issues. Reluctance to talk about sex But, the greatest challenge to his advocacy is people’s reluctance to talk about sex. “Once they hear sex it’s kind of a behind the door situation with everybody, but they are interested in getting condoms,” he said. “When it comes to that it is breaking taboo in people’s minds and it might not be something people readily accept at the time. LGBT rights, access to condoms and access to reproductive health for young people at a certain age — many people don’t appreciate those things in Jamaica.” Other challenges regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, Boothe said, include access and misinformation. “Within the framework of the family and giving youth individual rights to access their own reproductive health. So, can they go to a doctor, nurse without worrying if they are old enough or if the doctor or nurse will talk back to the parents? Access is about giving them the knowledge and empowering them to go for what they need. “The stigma is the misinformation. If you’re going to the clinic people automatically assume, you’re doing an HIV/AIDS test or abortion. [So] after the community empowerment, because of the stigma maybe 15 per cent will respond and come to the clinic. The biggest issue is misinformation,” Boothe said, adding that diversification of the content and how messages are shaped could possibly help. To address these issues Boothe wants to see more young people involved in advocacy and helping to push the message of JFPA in a diversified way. “It is a satisfying thing to do both for your own self development and community development. You’re building a network. If you put yourself out there you don’t know what can happen,” he said.

Mario Boothe
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| 27 March 2024

“The biggest issue is misinformation”

‘Are you interested in advocacy and reproductive health and rights?’ These were the words which caught Mario Boothe’s attention and prompted him to sign up to be part of the Jamaica Family Planning Association (JFPA) Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) five years ago. At the time, Boothe was 22 and fresh out of college, searching for opportunities to gain experience. It’s so much more than sex and condoms “I was on Facebook looking at different things young people can do, and it popped up. I had just left college with an Associate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I was unemployed and I just wanted to be active, give myself the opportunity to learn and find something I can give my time to and gain from it,” Boothe said. Being no stranger to volunteerism and having a desire to do advocacy, Boothe decided to sign up for YAM to get a new experience and broaden his knowledge base. “It’s so much more than sex and condoms. It’s really human rights and integrated in everything we do. Reproductive health affects the population, it affects your income, your family planning, how people have access to rights. It cuts across men, women, LGBT people and encompasses everything. My love for working with YAM and being an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights deepened and I could expand further in my outreach,” he said. Now, Boothe has no regrets with his decision as he has gained a second family and a safe space, he can call home. Additionally, YAM has equipped him with skills and given him opportunities he would otherwise not have. “I have done public speaking which has opened lots of doors for me. I have traveled and met with other Caribbean people about issues [around SRHR]. There’s an appreciation for diversity as you deal with lots of people when you go out into communities, so you learn to break down walls and you learn how to communicate with different people,” Boothe said. With YAM, Boothe has delivered projects, presentations with schools and churches, and training sessions in condom use and addressing other sexual health issues. Reluctance to talk about sex But, the greatest challenge to his advocacy is people’s reluctance to talk about sex. “Once they hear sex it’s kind of a behind the door situation with everybody, but they are interested in getting condoms,” he said. “When it comes to that it is breaking taboo in people’s minds and it might not be something people readily accept at the time. LGBT rights, access to condoms and access to reproductive health for young people at a certain age — many people don’t appreciate those things in Jamaica.” Other challenges regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights, Boothe said, include access and misinformation. “Within the framework of the family and giving youth individual rights to access their own reproductive health. So, can they go to a doctor, nurse without worrying if they are old enough or if the doctor or nurse will talk back to the parents? Access is about giving them the knowledge and empowering them to go for what they need. “The stigma is the misinformation. If you’re going to the clinic people automatically assume, you’re doing an HIV/AIDS test or abortion. [So] after the community empowerment, because of the stigma maybe 15 per cent will respond and come to the clinic. The biggest issue is misinformation,” Boothe said, adding that diversification of the content and how messages are shaped could possibly help. To address these issues Boothe wants to see more young people involved in advocacy and helping to push the message of JFPA in a diversified way. “It is a satisfying thing to do both for your own self development and community development. You’re building a network. If you put yourself out there you don’t know what can happen,” he said.