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1st Capiz school-based teen center now a nat’l model
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (31 August 2005) -- A Teen Zone in the Capiz State University (CAPSU) – Bailan, Pontevedra town campus has been considered as an observation study tour area and the nation’s replication model in view of its achievements in the protection and care for the adolescents.

The project was established in 2003 thru the United Nations Fund for Population Activities’ Reproductive Health implementation to practically enhance technical capacity of service providers in providing RH services and information and improve awareness and knowledge of adolescents on RH issues and concerns.

Dr. Samuel Delfin, UNFPA Provincial Project Coordinator for Capiz, said that the project was also established in the CAPSU Pilar and Buri-as, Mambusao campuses and 19 public secondary schools provincewide to help curb teenage pregnancies, substance abuse and negative peer influence.

Each teen center is equipped with audio-video equipments, gameboards, musical instruments, and IEC materials on ARH, HIV/AIDS, sexuality and related learning resource materials.

The provincial government has extended the project to public secondary schools to integrate the campaign against illegal drugs and ensure that ARH program reached the community level.

The adolescent friendly center is managed by peer educators and information providers trained in extending services like counseling, focused-group discussion, indoor activities like board games, musical instrument playing and video presentation on topics related to ARH, HIV/AIDS and prohibited drugs.

Rossandrew Villaruel, Teen Zone Coordinator, said the center has significantly reduced teenage pregnancies from eight in 2002 to only one case last year, minimized substance abuse and negative peer pressure.

He added that Nepalese nationals and Cagayan De Oro observers have visited the project for observation of applicable practices into their respective localities.

The Capiz Teen Zone experience in Capiz is considered a best practice along with the President Roxas Rural Health Unit-managed Violence Against Women and Children Center, Community Operated RH and Advocacy in the UNFPA’s 5th Country Programme of Assistance aimed to uplift the quality of life of all Capiceños. (PIA)

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