“There’s Joy in Life” – a Campaign Against Teenage Pregnancy

The Philippines has one of the highest cases of teenage pregnancy in Asia. One of the major causes of this is the lack of proper education on the matter among teenagers. Teens already go through numerous daily troubles, and they must be equipped with the proper knowledge and life skills to help them. Proper education can empower girls – and boys – to be in control of their lives and make better decisions for their immediate and future families.

Last October 11, the Z Club of Childlink High School Cebu, in cooperation with the Zonta Club of Cebu II, did a campaign #There’s Joy in Life against Teenage Pregnancy at the Ramon Duterte High School, a public school with about 8000 students in the Junior and Senior High School.

The event started with a short talk by a medical doctor who is an active member of the Zonta Club of Cebu II. Dr. Florencia Miel talked about Teenage Pregnancy to educate the young audience of the severity of the situation by discussing its causes, adverse effects, direct and indirect effects, and prevention. Workshops were then spearheaded by the Z Club members including song workshops, poster and slogan making, and role playing.

The workshop activities were designed to arouse the interest of teenagers on the subject matter and awaken potentials which they can tap to improve their selfworth. The workshops were aimed at making the students realize that there is hope and joy in their life’s struggles and challenges.

Sexual encounters and relationships are often caused by peer pressure or as an escape from teenage struggles. With better selfesteem, teenagers can have better control of themselves and of their lives.