Mexico
PMC is working with CORA (Centro de Orientación para Adolescentes) to launch a new program in Mexico using an interactive web based program to improve adolescent sexual health.
With thirty years of experience working with adolescents, CORA is the perfect leader for the creation of a new approach for the improvement of sexual health. The project, known as Sexpertos Saludables, will have several components that complement each other to create a forum for young men and women where they can share their thoughts and questions about sexuality in an entertaining format. Interactive components including quizzes, information, the debunking of myths, animations, and a video game will be part of the website. There will also be surveys, notes, and reports that users can access, as well as the opportunity to chat with a virtual counselor.
The animations will be two-minute segments about a group of friends dealing with their first sexual experiences. The target audience is between the ages of 11 and 16. To ensure the interest of this age group, the animations will be created in the style of Japanese manga, a very popular graphic style. An important feature of the entire approach in Sexpertos Saludables is to be sure that the information presented never feels as though it is coming from an “official source.” Based on years of investigation, the serious scenarios will be presented with a sense of humor to be sure to engage the audience and to ensure their frequent return to the site. PMC is funding Sexpertos Saludables with additional help from the Carso Foundation of Mexico.
PMC has a long standing relationship with CORA. In the past they developed a program that aired in Michoacán State is called, Dimensiones Sexuales (“Sexual Dimensions”). Dimensiones Sexuales was a highly energetic radio talk show program, including a short melodrama that involved youth in all aspects of the project. The project dealt with sexual and reproductive health issues.
After completing Dimensiones Sexuales, PMC spent the remainder of 2006 preparing for the launch of its newest program in Mexico entitled Válvula de Escape, Un Espacio Sin Censura. Sexo Netas y Preguntas (“Escape Valve, a Space without Censorship. Discussion and Questions about Sex”). Válvula de Escape was a call-in show that provided an outlet for teens to discuss issues relating to sexual/reproductive health directly with health professionals. It was aired every Thursday on Radio Mexiquense from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. PMC conducted an evaluation of the program, which pointed to significant changes in the attitudes and behaviors of listeners. Read more about the results of Válvula de Escape.
