Lao Cai's schools raise awareness about reproductive health for adolescents

The event designed to provide access to information about sexuality and sexual and reproductive healthcare for very young adolescents (ages 10-14). 

In October and November, Save the Children and partner schools organized 35 Ring the Golden Bell competitions on sexual and reproductive health for adolescent in 35 secondary schools in 5 districts of Lao Cai province (Van Ban, Bao Yen, Muong Khuong, Bat Xat and Bao Thang).

In each competition, students have to answer a set of more than 20 questions on a variety of topics that includes puberty, safe contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and gender identity.

Adolescence represents a critical window of opportunity when young people are learning to make independent decisions and forming their own attitudes and beliefs. The events took advantage of this window of opportunity to improve health and well-being for adolescents now and in their future adult lives.

Interesting outdoor activities for children such as mini version of “Ring the golden bell”, and child centered performances made the events both fun and informative for children and their communities.

This series of events is part of the Adolescent Development component of the Child-centered Community Development Program in Lao Cai province, which focuses on building and improving life skills, career orientation, knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, education and economic opportunities for adolescents.

The program has been implemented since 2013 by Save the Children and local partners. Up to now, it has brought positive impact on the lives of more than 35,000 children and youth in the project districts.

Tu Pham