Adolescent Health Program – Teen-Age Health Initiative

The proposal to have a “Teen-age Pregnancy Prevention Program” was concretized with a visit to the St. Mary Euphrasia Training Center in June 2015 by Zontians Marieta Malinao (president), Lucy Carcel, Deborah Limchiu, Mildred Simolde, Vivien Seno, Margie Sy, Myrna Tan. The group was met by Sr. Felicidad Maningo, RGS , of the community of the Good Shepherd, who runs the facility with two house mothers.

The first activity took place in the afternoon of July 11, 2015. It was an interactive lecture by Dr. Marilou Viray, an OB-Gyne specialist, who took up the following topics: (1)The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, (2)physical and biological changes from childhood to adolescence, (3) menarche (first menstruation), (4) myths and facts about menarche and menstruation.

It was a fulfilling experience, for Zn. President Mayet Malinao, Zontians Lucy Carcel , Cita Chan, Carmen Go, Debbie Limchiu, Mildred Simolde, Margie Sy, Myrna Tan (IPP) and Eva (technical secretary), to feel the enthusiasm and receptiveness of the elementary and high school girls of the center. No doubt, Dr. Viray felt as much fulfillment with the response.

To add to the liveliness of the session, Dr. Debbie Limchiu gave prizes to the girls who were able to answer the questions asked by Dr. Viray. The session ended with snacks of meat roll and juice, courtesy of President Mayet.

The program coordinator (Dr. D. Limchiu) and president Mayet have planned a monthly session to cover the following topics: Hygiene and Sanitation, Grooming, Table manners, Infectious diseases in general.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted, which defines the specific roles of St. Mary Euphrasia Training Center and Zonta Club of Cebu II in the “Teen-age pregnancy and early marriage prevention program”, as well as the objectives, activities and duration of the said project.