2FINAL_SHAPE-INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

FOREWORD

• The 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS 4) highlighted that young Filipinos aged 15-24 show body changes starting from ages 8-9.

• Adolescents encompass in-school and out-of-school youth, who are navigating through dating, first jobs, and parenthood.

• Emphasizes the curiosity and decision-making process of young individuals as they approach adulthood.

• The Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) was established 20 years ago to address these transitions, introducing prototype training modules such as SHAPE (Sexually Healthy and Personally Effective) to prepare youths for personal, social, and global responsibilities.

• Modules were reviewed, pre-tested, and updated into four training modules, designed for trainers to address adolescents' concerns effectively.

MESSAGE FROM POPCOM

• POPCOM urges institutions involved with youth training to use the SHAPE modules.

• Aims to showcase ways for youth to realize their potential and contribute positively to society.

• Congratulations to those involved in the development of SHAPE modules.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• The Department of Education (DepEd) commends POPCOM for developing SHAPE training modules.

• Advocates for age-appropriate, developmental, and culture-sensitive sexuality education within the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum.

• Integration of sexuality education occurs naturally in subjects like Science and Health, and purposely in Mathematics and Language.

• Emphasizes human rights principles to combat stigma around teenage pregnancy and support young mothers returning to school.

• Recognizes contributions in preparing teachers and school officials to better guide youth on sexual health matters.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

• Highlights youth exposure to sexual risks, including STIs and unintended pregnancies.

• Teenage pregnancy is a pressing social and health issue; YAFS indicates that 1 in 10 young women aged 15-19 are childbearing.

• The SHAPE toolkit aims to foster responsible health behaviors among adolescents through informed education.

• Calls on partners in health and community to implement the SHAPE toolkit for adolescent health development.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

• The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) backs the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, focusing on providing essential reproductive health information to the youth.

• Integration of reproductive health concerns within programs like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to address rising teenage pregnancy issues.

• Commends the development of SHAPE as a critical resource for trainers and learners on adolescent sexuality and reproductive health.

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

• Praises the timely development of SHAPE modules, advocating their use for disseminating information on sexual and reproductive health effectively.

• Stresses the importance of life skills integration with personal issues facing youth to help them make informed choices.

ADOLESCENCE AND HEALTH CONCERNS

• Defines adolescence as a transformative period characterized by physical and psychological changes.

• Identifies risks such as unwanted pregnancies and STIs resulting from early sexual activity.

• Emphasizes the importance of adolescent health and well-being as a national development priority.

• The AHD program specifically targets reducing teenage pregnancies through improved sexuality education and health services.

• SHAPE provides a comprehensive approach to educate adolescents about sexuality and reproductive health (SRH).

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES

• Adolescents face numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges including:

  • Early and Unwanted Pregnancy: Risks include health complications for mothers and babies, interrupted education, and unfulfilled aspirations.

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Lack of knowledge and unprotected sexual activity place adolescents at risk.

  • HIV Vulnerability: Many young people lack awareness of HIV and do not know how to protect themselves.

• Discusses societal factors that contribute to increased risk of sexual violence and coercion, particularly affecting adolescent girls.

THE NEW SHAPE ADOLESCENT MODULES

• Responds to the evolving needs of adolescents over time with updated and relevant content that reflects current realities.

• In alignment with the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, focuses on enhancing life skills, value promotion, and overall wellness.

• Recognizes adolescents as vital resources for community development, calling for informed and empowered choices through accessible information and services.

STRUCTURE OF THE SHAPE ADOLESCENTS TOOLKIT

• The toolkit consists of an introductory part and four core interdependent modules that detail the physical, emotional, and social changes during adolescence and promote healthy practices.

• Utilizes participatory and experiential learning methods to engage adolescents in discussions and learning about sexuality and relationships.

• Encourages critical thinking, self-awareness, and an understanding of reproductive health rights.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND EVALUATION

• Partnerships with educators, youth leaders, and community workers are encouraged to utilize the toolkit effectively.

• Structured to assess knowledge and growth through pre- and post-tests, closing activities, and ongoing feedback.

• Builds on self-assessment, observation, and feedback mechanisms to enhance the facilitation process and meet adolescents' needs.

CONCLUSION

• The SHAPE Toolkit aims to empower youth through comprehensive, integrated sexuality education that addresses their specific needs and fosters confidence, self-esteem, and responsible decision-making.

REFERENCES

• List of various authoritative sources used to inform the SHAPE modules, including studies, governmental resources, and other educational materials.

Key Terms

• YAFS 4: The 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study that revealed body changes in young Filipinos.

• Adolescents: Individuals aged 15-24, both in-school and out-of-school, navigating life transitions.

• AHDP: The Adolescent Health and Development Program established to support youth in personal, social, and global responsibilities.

• SHAPE: The Sexuality Healthy and Personally Effective module designed for trainers to address adolescent concerns.

• POPCOM: The Philippines' Commission on Population and Development that promotes the SHAPE modules.

• DepEd: The Department of Education advocating for age-appropriate sexuality education.

• DSWD: The Department of Social Welfare and Development that supports reproductive health education.

• National Youth Commission: Organization that promotes the SHAPE modules for effective dissemination of sexual health information.

• Health Risks: Includes unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) faced by adolescents.

• Reproductive Health: Concerns addressed in the SHAPE modules aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and promoting informed choices.