Launching the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium: Empowering Youth through Education
Balay Alima Women’s Haven Inc. (BAWHI) is proud to announce the launch of its Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium, an impactful event aimed at educating young people on the importance of informed decision-making, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility. Held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, this symposium brought together students from 13 junior high schools across the city, offering them a supportive platform to discuss, learn, and reflect on topics critical to their well-being and future.
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium is part of BAWHI’s ongoing mission to empower and educate young people, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to make positive life choices. With the rate of teen pregnancies rising in many communities, this event addresses an urgent need for open, candid conversations on the realities, challenges, and consequences of early pregnancy. By providing students with comprehensive, evidence-based information, BAWHI is helping them understand how their choices impact their health, education, and opportunities in life.
A Community-Centered Approach to Youth Empowerment
The symposium was designed with a community-centered approach, recognizing that addressing teen pregnancy requires the collaboration of schools, families, community leaders, and organizations dedicated to youth welfare. During the event, students, educators, and advocates came together in an environment where honest conversations could thrive. This supportive atmosphere helped create a space where young participants felt encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and engage in discussions around sensitive but essential topics related to adolescence, relationships, and health.
Through engaging presentations and interactive sessions, BAWHI’s facilitators highlighted the importance of self-respect, goal-setting, and making informed decisions. These discussions aimed to inspire students to recognize their own potential, set ambitious goals, and understand that they have the power to shape their futures. In emphasizing personal empowerment, the symposium underscored the fact that each young person has the right to make choices that are in their best interest.
Comprehensive Education on Adolescent Health and Relationships
The symposium tackled various aspects of adolescent health, emphasizing that pregnancy prevention is not solely about abstaining from sexual activity but also about understanding one’s physical and emotional well-being. Topics included anatomy, reproductive health, emotional maturity, and the importance of communication and boundaries in relationships. These educational sessions were led by health professionals, counselors, and experienced youth advocates, ensuring that the information was accurate, accessible, and relatable for a young audience.
One of the unique aspects of the symposium was its focus on fostering healthy relationships and promoting self-awareness. Students learned about recognizing and building positive relationships based on mutual respect and trust, while also understanding how to set personal boundaries. By teaching young people the importance of respecting themselves and others, BAWHI is helping them make choices rooted in self-care and dignity.
Interactive Workshops and Peer Group Discussions
The symposium featured interactive workshops designed to encourage peer group discussions, allowing students to share their experiences and insights in a safe, respectful environment. These group activities fostered camaraderie among students, helping them realize that they are not alone in facing challenges. By hearing from their peers and mentors, participants gained new perspectives on common concerns, from peer pressure to academic stress and navigating friendships.
Through role-playing scenarios, question-and-answer sessions, and guided discussions, students explored realistic situations they might encounter in their lives. These hands-on workshops allowed them to practice decision-making skills in a supportive setting, building confidence in their ability to make healthy choices. The skills they learned here are invaluable, preparing them to face real-life situations with resilience and sound judgment.
Inspiring Change and Shaping the Future
BAWHI’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium is more than just an educational event—it’s a step toward building a healthier, more informed, and empowered generation. The students who participated left with a greater understanding of their own potential, the importance of setting personal goals, and the impact of their choices on their future. By offering these young people the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions, BAWHI is investing in a future where they can lead fulfilling, successful lives.
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium represents BAWHI’s commitment to youth empowerment and community well-being. Through continued efforts, the organization hopes to see a positive shift in the lives of young people in Tagbilaran City, inspiring them to prioritize their education, health, and dreams.
As BAWHI continues to promote initiatives like the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Symposium, we invite the community to join us in supporting our youth, ensuring they have every opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. Together, we are creating a brighter, more hopeful future for the young people of Tagbilaran City.
