Strengthening Sexuality Education in Vietnam
In July, two of our educators traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam to work hand-in-hand with staff from the Center for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population (CCIHP), a Vietnamese a non-governmental organization that we have partnered with for the past two years. With support from Global Programs since January 2014, CCIHP has implemented an innovative peer sexuality education program—for pre-teens aged 11-13—in two secondary schools in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital. There is a great need for sexuality education and increased access to contraceptive methods for young people; as evidenced by this staggering figure: 34.5 percent of sexually active young people aged 15-19 do not want to get pregnant but are not using contraception.
In addition to financial support, we provided training to CCIHP to strengthen their peer education program. During the most recent trip, we worked closely with CCIHP staff to plan for and facilitate a leadership development summer camp for 28 enthusiastic peer educators.
Another highlight of the trip was a one-day training on sexuality education for CCIHP staff and more than 20 representatives from a variety of Vietnamese and international NGOs. At the training, our educators shared key tools and approaches from our successful U.S.-based sexuality education programs, including strategies for creating an education environment that is inclusive of all youth, with a special focus on using language that is relevant for LGBTQ youth. This training was well received by our Vietnamese colleagues, and is an emerging area in our global work.
In addition to the impact we have around the world through our Global Programs, PPGNHI also benefits from our engagement. By applying their skills in new settings, staff hone their skills at adopting our proven approaches in a variety of settings, and also learn new approaches from our amazing global partners.
