Adolescent pregnancy is a critical public health
and social problem. Research shows that teen pregnancy is
linked to a list of risk factors such as alcohol and drug
use, violence, delinquency, and school drop-out. CWHA’s
PHAT (Promoting Health and Abstinence among Teens) Program
is the story of a community-wide effort to work with teens
through interventions that build cognitive and behavioral
skills, thus leading to effective problem solving, enhanced
communication, positive self-direction and ultimately delayed
onset of early sexual activity.
Among the players are (a) a community
advisory board comprised of a cross-section of community residents
who make a conscious effort to ensure that the community takes
responsibility for the problem of teen pregnancy and engage
in the formulation of strategies to address the problem; (b)
Peer educators who play a tremendously important role in putting
a cultural and neighborhood face on attitudes about sex, teen
pregnancy and abstinence among their peers; and (c) Adolescents
whose reports of their experiences in the program indicate
that they have developed a stronger sense of internal control
and a greater ability to think about life goals. They are
a fine example for a compelling case that we must strengthen
the work already begun.
 |
| Gabrielle Simon Peer Educator
is on the road to success. |
In the summer of 1999, I was a participant
in the P.H.A.T Program Summer cycle. At first, I wasn’t
sure of what the program was all about. As the days went by
with much information, I began to understand the concept of
abstinence and all that comes with it. After the summer cycle
ended, I volunteered with the program staff to familiarize
myself even more. A few weeks had passed and they offered
me a job as a Peer Educator for the program. As far as being
a positive teenager in high school, it was a great opportunity
to interact with other teens my age and to promote the abstinence
message. Working as a Peer Educator for the P.H.A.T Program
has boosted my self-esteem and confidence. After working
for a year with the program, I received training on communication,
conflict resolution, problem solving and have developed good
leadership skills. As result of these skills Ms. Yvonne Graham,
Executive Director of Caribbean Women’s Health Association,
Inc. and Ms. Melrose Jackson, PHAT Program Coordinator sponsored
me in the Miss New York American Jr. Teen Pageant 2000. The
preparation for the pageant was intense but with much encouragement,
I made it through to the state finals and won several trophies.
Although I did not come in first place, to my knowledge and
others I am a winner. I feel like I have learned to stand
up for what is right and helping others to do the same. This
program along with the program staff has opened doors of opportunity
and success for me. I look forward to graduating from high
school shortly and moving on to college. Thanks to the program
I feel well prepared to successfully face the world.
Gabrielle Simon, Age 16
Peer Educator