Bandung, (22/5). Through the Care for Teens (CFT) program, Cita Sehat Foundation is again conducting education about adolescent health in schools. This time, CFT attended SMPN 1 Cilengkrang, Kp. Cipatat RW.05 Ciporeat Village, Cilengkrang District, Bandung Regency.
Before implementing this program, Cita Sehat coordinated with the school principal through Kawan Serasi. In this coordination, Mr. Teguh specifically asked that the educational materials given to students be more about reproductive health. This request is due to the increasing promiscuity of teenagers in Indonesia, including those around SMPN 1 Cilengkrang.
Why Reproductive Health Education Important?
Adolescents who have sufficient knowledge about reproductive health will be better able to avoid the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, and others. In addition, an understanding of reproductive health also helps adolescents understand the changes in their bodies.
They will be better prepared to face and manage physical changes, such as the growth of breasts in women and the growth of the reproductive organs in men. This understanding will also help adolescents deal with emotional challenges that often arise during puberty, such as mood changes, feelings of anxiety, and stress.
Furthermore, the importance of reproductive health for adolescents is also related to fostering healthy and respectful relationships between male and female adolescents. A good understanding of reproductive health can help adolescents understand the importance of respecting the sexual and reproductive rights of each individual. They will also be better able to avoid high-risk associations and be aware of the importance of protecting themselves from sexual violence and sexual harassment.
Understanding reproductive health does not only have an impact on individual well-being but also society as a whole. Reproductively healthy adolescents will be more able to contribute positively to community development from an educational, economic, and social perspective.
Care For Teens at SMPN 1 Cilengkrang
The Care For Teens activity at SMPN 1 Cilengkrang began with conditioning the participants. After that, it was followed by giving material by Kania gave material to all class VII students. Eighty-nine students of class VII attended this activity.
The materials presented to the participants included the notion of reproductive health, the characteristics of puberty in boys and girls, the risk of promiscuity, to the danger of sexually transmitted diseases.
“Cita Sehat wants to help the government in reproductive health education for Indonesian youth. In this Care For Teens program, we want to explain how teenagers can respond to puberty mentally and how students can respect each other and protect themselves from promiscuity,” explained Susilowati, S.Gz, a representative from the Cita Sehat Foundation.
The activity started at 10.00 a.m and went smoothly and interactively. The students did not hesitate to ask questions about the material or puberty experiences they experienced.
In addition, this activity is also equipped with measurements of student knowledge through pre and post-tests using questionnaires. Besides aiming to find out how far students understand the material presented, filling out a questionnaire was carried out to find out how students get along during puberty.
Before it was closed, Cita Sehat team handed over an appreciation certificate to the school that had provided space for implementing Care for Teens.
“Thank you for visiting SMPN 1 Cilengkrang and sharing your knowledge here. Very inspiring and educative activity,” said Mr. Teguh, Principal of SMPN 1 Cilengkrang.
Susilowati – Cita Sehat Foundation
