The 1994 and 1995 Fotonovela Projects (FNP) actively involved seventh and eighth grade students in the development of fotonovelas containing prevention messages about violence, alcohol use, and teen pregnancy (hereafter called risky health behaviors [RHB]). The participants developed the storylines based on their research and direct or indirect experiences with RHB. Actual photographs of their peers and community were used to illustrate real faces, youth and ethnic culture, as well as portray youths' reality. This study sought to determine the meaning young peoples assigned to their participation in developing their own health education fotonovelas. Qualitative methods,a three-item culture questionnaire and archival data were used to gather the information for this study The meaning associated with the participants' involvement in the FNP included several constructs from the National School Health Education Standards. The FNP provided opportunities for youth to learn: how to work together, gain new skills, problem-solve, make decisions, communicate with each other, express their culture (age and/or ethnicity), and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment about a quality product and completed task. Despite the fact that group or collective vs individual learning may be more culturally conducive to some ethnic groups than others, this method of learning may be of best use for cultures who normally operate as a collective.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn how to engage adolescents in creating health education materials. Participants will gain skills to involve adolescents in health communication. Participants will explore ways to include culture in health education activities
Keywords: Peer Education, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of New Mexico - Adolescent Social Action Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.