Gente Joven: a community program for Mexico's young people
Lopez Juarez, A.; Reid, A.
Integration 1989(20): 4-15
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0916-0582 PMID: 12282142 Document Number: 353155
Mexfam, the Mexican Foundation for Family Planning, came to the conclusion that for family planning programs to succeed, the emphasis had to be shifted from adults to young people. The 1st community youth program, Gente Joven, began operations in 1985 in San Berabe, a very poor community south of Mexico City. Mexfam established the age group of 11-20 as the target group and adopted the slogan "It is not safe for you to have children before the age of 20." This message was aimed at the poor sector, about 70% of the population of Mexico. A long-term goal is for the sex education program to reach every young boy and girl between the ages of 11 and 12. It should cover the topics of 1) communication between family members, 2) whether or not to have sex before marriage, 3) the anatomy and physiology of female and male sex organs, 4) sexually transmitted diseases, and 5) contraceptive methods. Films on communication between family members, early sexual relations, male and female sex roles, and juvenile drug addiction were produced. Case studies on Mexfam's programs in Colima and Armeria are described, as are educational materials including drama and rock. A brief history of Mexfam is also include.