Sex Education

Submitted by periclean2012 on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 21:57

the problem:

We stood outside a padlocked, whitewashed government hospital on the outskirts of Naigaon, a remote village in rural India.

The building, about the size of a three-car garage, was small and box-shaped with barred windows and, by all appearances, abandoned. In an area where these state-run hospitals are plenty in number, they offer little to the people who live there. The building was empty.

"They've never seen a doctor here," said Jayesh, one of the staff members at the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), a nongovernmental organization headquartered in nearby Jamkhed, where we were staying.

That was during a trip my classmates and I made last year to work with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India. Through the Periclean Scholars program at Elon University, we're creating a feature-length movie that delves into the subject of health care in rural India. This documentary aims to tell the story of India's poor and their struggle to access quality health care.

Many of India's over one billion citizens lack access to basic health care services. Only about 50 million middle-class Indians (that's 5% of the population) can afford private health care, and the rest are dependent on services provided by the government or alternative systems such as nonprofits. Malnutrition, neonatal diseases, diarrhea and pneumonia are the major causes of death for children in India. These health issues can all be prevented though simple health education and prenatal and postnatal care, services that are unavailable to many of Inda's poorest citizens.

The first step toward change is to make people aware of the issue and of alternatives that exist to provide health care to those who fall through the cracks of state systems. Through this documentary we hope to raise awareness about the issue in India and to start a conversation about ensuring access to quality health care for poor communities world wide.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

As part of an organization called Periclean Scholars (for more info check out the elevator speech video below) we've spent the last three years studying India, its history and social issues in the country. Several of us from our organization have had the opportunity to travel to India and partner with individuals and organizations there, learning about their experiences and brainstorming pathways for sustainable change. This documentary is an outgrowth of everything we've learned and experienced.

"Health for All" will encompass complicated issues like the rights of health care and role of nonprofits, while centering around one simple point: people in poverty don't have access to basic care. We've seen the burden that sickness or injury can place on a family that has to borrow from a loan shark to afford a doctor's visit or to abandon their livelihood and travel long distances to receive care. We hope that this documentary will raise questions about the access that poor communities have to quality health care world wide, and through education and increased awareness act as a catalyst for positive change.

the plan of action:

As a documentary team, we're making a film that follows three different organizations as they pursue this idea of health for all. One of the organizations is in rural Maharashtra, working with impoverished villagers; another is based in the slums of Bombay; and a third is on the outskirts of Hyderabad. We need some point of comparison for these alternative systems, so we've also highlighted a government hospital in Delhi.

For the month of January we were in India shooting the documentary. We shot in Bombay for 5 days at a social business, Hyderabad for 4 days at a government-supported commission on rural poverty, and a nonprofit in rural Maharashtra for about a week. We also got footage in Pune, and we spent the last 4 days shooting at a government hospital in Delhi.

We returned to North Carolina with hours upon hours of B-roll and interviews and with an even greater understanding of the depth and complexity of the issue. The next few months will be spent writing, editing and producing the film, keeping in mind what we've learned and comparing it with the extensive background research we've done on the topic. The team currently working on making this project a reality includes directors, producers, writers, editors, researchers, editors, audio techs, a composer, artists, fact-checkers, translators and donors. There are dozens of students, professors and professionals involved in this project, each of us with a growing passion to share what we've learned about this issue with others. We plan to screen the documentary publicly both in the US and in India, to submit it to film festivals and to allow it to be used as an educational resource.

how you can get involved:

Join our pursuit of better health for all by informing yourself more about the situation of those who don't have access to quality health care in your community, and around the world. Check out the organizations that we showcased as alternatives and consider supporting their work in India as well:
www.jamkhed.org
www.swasthindia.in
www.serp.ap.gov.in
Let us know as if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for the documentary. We would love to hear from you.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by JustFiyahRedd on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 12:47

the problem:

Trying to bring the awareness to our community that this disease is out there and is bigger than we know. That it will continue it grow if we don't take action. Showing that it starts with us as a community if we want this and any other movement to be just that a movement. Also to give voices for the voiceless or those who aren't able to speak up. To support our community. There will be an area for the kids to enjoy. Guest speakers. Live DJ. Performances. Basketball tournament. Food and more.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

I was released from prison in July 2011. I felt so bad that I had ltbmyself end up in that kind of place for whatever reasons. I wanted to figure out a way to better my community and myself. I was in one of the release transition classes at the prison, and we had a guest from the health department in Quincy,Fl. He was speaking about HIV and Aids and the things that they had did for their community. And I had already been doing some research on it myself. I wish that I could remember his name because he really gave me that push to do it. When I came home I joined a business with and acquaintance called Desire More Ent. And got the opportunity to bring one of my dreams, goals to life so I did !! This means the world to me and I think it would be just what our community needs as a whole.

the plan of action:

Gathering ppl to register for basketball tourney so we can donate that money
Have contacted vendors to come out and supply food
Have a dJ for event
We have a venue
Have some artist but wanting more submissions should be made before next week
Have mobile unit for free testing
Have guest speakers
Contacting churches, organizations, companies, etc for sponsorship, donations to fund event or towards the cause

how you can get involved:

Set up for day of event, donations, new or gently used toys for kids prizes,

project updates:

Submitted by The Collective on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 13:14

the problem:

We believe that one of the biggest challenges facing young organizers is navigating internal group dynamics. Whether it is teens, college students, volunteers, parents or community members fighting together for a specific cause, there are inevitably moments in these struggles when group members are faced with difficult decisions and potential conflicts. Often times these complex internal dynamics can be the biggest barrier a group may face when working on a campaign or project.

Through workshops on non-violent communication, consensus decision making and non-hierarchical leadership, we hope to promote alternative strategies and tools for organizing at the grassroots level. Our goal is to alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that can come from working in a group setting, and provide creative techniques for collaborative work.

We also believe that the way we are with each other reflects the way we are in the world. By this we mean that if we can radically change our relationships to be more harmonious, peaceful and cooperative, we have the capacity to create entire communities in the same way.

vital stats:

people impacted:

200

people involved:

why it's important:

The members of The Collective first met in 2007 while participating in a study abroad program. There were 28 students on an epic journey across the world, and establishing effective and democratic group norms was a key component of our trip. For us, the exploration of these issues came first out of necessity. In order to survive our nine months together, we had to devise ways to interact, make decisions and handle conflict.
It was during this time abroad that many of us discovered the importance of collaborative decision making and ways in which non-hierarchical leadership can create a space where all voices are respected and heard. Ultimately, by the end of our time together, we were deeply committed to working with each other and others on developing new processes for communicating and organizing in groups.

the plan of action:

Since 2010, we have taught numerous workshops to college students, young adults, small progressive nonprofits, and co-ops in the region. We have promoted our work through word of mouth and other networks with which we are familiar.

In addition to teaching in-person workshops, we have written, designed and published materials on communication and community-building techniques.

With a seed grant of $500, we could significantly expand the content and scope of our workshop, as well as produce a more comprehensive resource guide and workbook on consensus and alternative forms of decision making.

how you can get involved:

Others can be involved by attending our workshops and teaching others! We believe that the material and content of our workshops and publications should be widely distributed, and that everyone can benefit from these resources.

If others have an interest in teaching the materials with members of the collective, and getting directly involved, we would be happy to discuss that possibility.

project updates:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by dmstrumolo519 on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 18:23

the problem:

I am trying to solve the problem of all the teenage pregnancy's in my school system. I inform other students about using protection and the dangers that can be involved in sex such as aids and HIV. For the students who are a little younger we teach them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

This is important to me because I see so many teenagers in my town making the wrong decisions. I have seen it affect many students ahead of me. I want people to make the best out of their lives.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to visit all of the other schools in my township and talk to everyone. We visit every class room in every school. We come up with specific plans based on their age and situations.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by signing up for it when they become a junior or senior in high school. The best thing to suggest is that the students listen to us so that they can be educated and pass on the knowledge we taught them. If they seem to be a good influence on these subjects then i suggest they fill out the application in my school.

project updates:

Submitted by FullCirclesFoun... on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 15:35

the problem:

Full Circles Foundation aims to grow "strong girls, a fair economy, and a healthy earth" in the Southeastern United States. Put another way, we seek to advance the interconnected goals of of girls' empowerment, economic justice, and environmental health.

Our mission of "growing strong girls" aims to forward solutions to the challenges of women's health, violence against women, and low civic efficacy among women.

Our mission of "growing a fair economy" aims to forward solutions to the problems of structural poverty and racial and gender wealth disparities.

Our mission of "growing a healthy earth" aims to forward solutions to the problems of environmental illiteracy and environmental destruction and degradation.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

Our vision is to provide a holistic, collaborative, long-term, multi-intervention empowerment track for girls who have high potential but who are facing big obstacles. Over the course of thirteen years (K-12), FCF girls will be paced through a series of community-powered, best-practice programs, including summer camps, afterschool opportunities, apprenticeships, civic engagement training, and hands-on microventure experiences.

In 2011, Full Circles Foundation launched our pilot project in Raleigh, North Carolina - a series of community-powered summer camps, The Strong Camps. The Strong Camps included Strong Self Camp, Strong Neighbor Camp, and Strong Home Camp; they emphasized the connections between personal, community, and environmental health. This strategy is called "intertasking" - that is, accomplishing multiple goals with one action.

the plan of action:

In 2012, Full Circles Foundation aims to hold the second Strong Camp series in Raleigh, and to launch another pilot in Lexington, Kentucky. These two programs will reach at least 70 girls. We also hope to launch the Green Apprentice in Raleigh, an apprentice program that will pair middle and high school participants with local women artisans and entrepreneurs.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by maliyah2002 on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:16

the problem:

I'm trying to solve a basic community problem. I want to educate the youth a find positive ways to keep them motivated with hands on participation from the community itself. Someone needs to take charge in this area to ensure we mold the youth in becoming assets to society and grow up being law abiding citizens with a goal of making this world better in every possible direction because we are losing our youth day by day and it's time to get them back because they are our future and they will have to run this world someday. We do not want to see America go down in flames, so we have to educate our youth.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This project is important to me because I really care about where young people are heading and I feel like if I have an opportunity to make sure I guide thousands of children and teens in the right direction, I would do it. We all have some purpose here on earth and mine is to definitely help people, it's only fair.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to get started writing grant proposals and look for sponsors. From then on, find some land and get started on how to administer this program in Memphis by all means and that includes making all proper notifications to government and filling out the proper paperwork. It won't be easy, but it will be worth the effort.

how you can get involved:

Others can easily help me by simply contacting me by email or visit me on facebook with ideas, connections, or words of wisdom. I can use all the help I can get.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by Twitter26 on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:56

the problem:

The idea for my project came up after taking a health course at the beginning of my senior year. Sexual health has always been very important to me and I thought I was very well educated in the area. After my health course I realized that there were a lot of things I did not know. This inspired me to teach younger women about their sexual health so that they know about the consequences of their behavior. Knowing the consequences of your actions beforehand can save many lives and make things easier. I know many younger girls who are getting pregnant or contracting diseases because they are not receiving the proper education at home or in school. I come from a community where I was fortunate enough to receive a proper education and I want to give back by educating girls in other communities.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This topic is important to me because I have a lot of friends who have become victims of sexual ignorance through teen pregnancy. I also highly value sexual health and want others to know as much as I know.

the plan of action:

My plan is to create a group with girls from my neighborhood and have weekly discussions about sexual health. I also want to meet with adults from organizations who can help us to better understand what goes on with our bodies. I want to have a laid back environment but still learn and accomplish things in the process. If young girls are educated from earlier then they can avoid having to make extremely grown up decisions.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by educating people they know about sexual health and how to stay safe and where to go for help.

project updates:

Submitted by For Youth Inquiry on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 18:53

the problem:

FYI is invested in creating comprehensive and sustainable learning opportunities for Chicago area youth. We see ourselves as conversation activators; our participatory performances engage youth in potentially difficult conversations in safe and fun spaces. FYI partners with organizations that can provide in-depth information on sexual health and health resources such as the Chicago Women's Health Center, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and Planned Parenthood. FYI performances focus on getting youth to ask questions they need answers to, and we are able to share those framing questions with partner organizations that have longer teaching residencies. We also sees ourselves as skill builders. Providing youth with information or access to services is only half the battle; they need to be comfortable talking to their partners, health care providers, friends or family in order to actually implement safer sex practices. We use participatory theatre performances and workshops to help youth practice having conversations, asking questions, and interrupting sexual violence. Check us out at www.foryouthinquiry.org!

vital stats:

people impacted:

200

people involved:

why it's important:

Citywide sexual health statistics reflect that Chicago schools need improved sexual health and sexual violence education programs. According to Quick Health Data Online, in 2007, 48.8% of Illinois adolescent youth had had sexual intercourse and 12.7% had had more than four partners. 57.5% of Illinois adolescent youth used condoms during last sexual intercourse, and 19.7% of adolescent youth in Illinois reported having used drugs and/or alcohol during last sexual intercourse. Young people in Chicago are having sex, and their sexual choices are not always responsible. FYI works to meet this immediate need for more effective sexual health education in our schools and communities through an alternative program model.

the plan of action:

We see participatory theater as an ideal tool to open the door to safe conversations about seemingly unsafe topics; and as a medium for dialogue, rather than presentation. We explore the intersection between audience and performer, and move beyond the traditional relationship of audience as receiver and the performer as giver. In this way, FYI performances invite the audience to take part of the playmaking process. This happens through a combination of effective performance that captivates the audience, participatory breakouts that engage them, and improvisation that activates their voices and ideas. Through this unique and creative framework, we enable young people to investigate and critically analyze their world in a way that is critical to their sexual health and well-being.

To that end, FYI offers two performances. Project US explores how youth talk about sex and where their understanding of sex comes from. Can I Hit It? explores how youth understand sexual violence and what they can do to interrupt it on a day-to-day basis.

how you can get involved:

FYI needs financial support in order to provide free or reduced-cost programming. Statistically, the schools and communities that need our programs most do not have the budget to pay for such student resources and programming. From the beginning, it has been our goal to provide free and subsidized programming to under-resourced communities. To do so, we offer sliding scale fees, and request that those with budgets for programming pay accordingly. The majority of our programming is paid for by individual donations and foundational support. You can donate on line at www.foryouthinquiry.org!

project updates:

Submitted by TIAJANAE on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:55

the problem:

I'm looking to start an organization geared towards empowering young women to be leaders, restore their virtue, and instill self esteem in them in order to cultivate love and respect for themselves and others.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me because I am growing up in a generation where young women just don't care anymore. They are trying so hard to fit in, that they never get a chance to truly develop their own self identity. To be beautful is a state both inside and out. Many young women feel so bad about themselves on the inside, that they only focus on what people see externally. My mission is to build character and self esteem so we are leaders and not followers of tomorrow.

the plan of action:

I've developed several points to focus on during this mentorship program: we will focus on self esteem, interpersonal relationships with others, education, etiquette, and sisterhood to help young women be brave and beautiful. I've taken time with many young women just listening to what they have to say. Being someone they can talk to. As a membership organization, these young women will get the opportunity to grow and build themselves into women of tomorrow.

how you can get involved:

They can volunteer, bring whatever technicall, administrative, and financial skills they have and put them together. We need certified counselors, and people with real stories not afraid to share what they've been through and how they were able to get through it.