On June 18, 2023, Yayasan Kemanusiaan Ibu Pertiwi (YKIP) held a one-day program for students in Seraya village, Karangasem, with the aid of KISARA PKBI Bali and a local partner. There are 15 sponsored students who are in Junior High School. The aim of this program is to deliver information about reproductive health to the sponsored students in YKIP’s Scholarship Program. It is to inform the children of risks related to sexual and reproductive health, which can impact their education and well-being, and how to avoid them.

All participants took part in the lively discussion and learned about reproductive health from the young facilitators from KISARA-PKBI Bali. The activity was implemented in a participatory and engaging manner, with participants encouraged to actively participate in the process and speak their minds. Each participant introduced themselves to the group by stating their name and three things they enjoy. it served as a warm-up session, in order to make the participants feel safe and at ease throughout the discussion. After warming up, the participant then divided into two groups, boys and girls.

Reproductive Health Discussion with Students in the KEMBALI Scholarship Program

In the smaller group, the facilitators helped the participants recognize the changes that occur during puberty. They also asked whether they are aware of the important changes that occur to themselves in terms of physical, emotional, and social changes. It was encouraging to see that the kids were engaged in the discussion and actively contributing ideas.

By the end of the class, we had all learned how to handle the physical changes that puberty brings about. Although it’s normal to have feelings of embarrassment or anxiety, it is important to equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge.

YKIP finds this knowledge important to be delivered to our sponsored students. According to data from Indonesia’s 2010 population census, 6,67% of the country’s total population is between the ages of 10 and 24. In 2020, according to KISARA research, about 15,25% of the young participants had premarital intercourse. We hope by having the workshop with the students, they have a better understanding and be able to take wiser decisions in the future. YKIP wishes to have this kind of activity regularly and reach more students in the KEMBALI Scholarship Program.

Are you interested in supporting this kind of activity for students in the YKIP Scholarship program? Let us know your idea by sending us a message at info@ykip.org.