The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association, SIPPA, has started their in-school awareness talks this morning at the White River Community High School.
Solomon Times took a trip to the White River School this morning, together with Community Educators from SIPPA, as they conducted their awareness talks on teenage pregnancy.SIPPA Community Educator, Mr. Oscar Watesao, said that the programme is part of their in-school initiative aimed at educating young students of the risks associated with teenage pregnancy.
"Teenage pregnancy is fast becoming one of the biggest issues faced by young people in Solomon Islands," said Mr. Watesao. "We want youths to be fully equipped with all available information on teenage pregnancy...so that they could make informed decisions."
After the awareness, a young female student told Solomon Times that the 40 minutes program was not only helpful but also interesting.
Ms. Jenny Teruka, a Form 5 student, said that it is very good that educators from SIPPA went to her school and discussed such an important issue. "Sometimes when we hear 'teenage pregnancy', we think that we know all about it, but no, this morning I have learnt many new things about the issue."
However, she stated that it would be even better if the team would make additional visits to their school. "I would love to hear more about other issues that we are facing in our country, apart from teenage pregnancy, because the topics are educational and we will also learn something for our own good."