Youth WINGS
Surveys indicate that 34% of boys and 22% of girls in Guatemala are sexually active by age 15. Yet at the time of their first sexual encounter, the vast majority has received no formal education about sexuality, reproductive health, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), or family planning. The Youth WINGS program was launched in 2004 to improve access to reproductive health information and services for young people aged 14-19 in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The program has grown rapidly since its inception, and WINGS-trained peer educators now reach thousands of young people every year.
In the initial phase of the project, which is repeated in each community every three to four years, WINGS conducts a three-week sex education course for students in public schools. Following the trainings, WINGS invites all students to participate in a peer educator selection process. Applicants go through a comprehensive application and training process focusing on leadership skills, knowledge of reproductive health issues, and commitment to the program. Once a peer educator has completed the training curriculum and passed a qualifying exam, he or she commits to participating in the program through:
- Giving talks and presentations about reproductive health, STIs and family planning to group of peers, supported and supervised by WINGS staff members;
- Serving as a resource for young people when they have questions about sexuality, reproductive health, family planning, or STIs;
- Providing references to affordable and youth-friendly family planning services;
- Selling condoms to peers at affordable prices, where appropriate;
- Participating in ongoing training activities throughout the year.
The Youth WINGS program has been met with great enthusiasm by community members and the youth themselves, and peer educator services are in high demand. These young people feel that they are able to give back to their communities through the program, contributing to the health and long-term development of their country by enabling their peers to make informed choices around sexuality and reproduction. To learn more about Youth WINGS, please visit our new website specifically for youth: www.jovenesconalas.org.