DPV

I have had the awesome opportunity to start the DPV curriculum with two awesome groups in the past couple of weeks. Both are in schools but other than that they are polar opposites. One is huge and the other small, the larger class is older, they are led by two different but amazing and unique Caminante staff, and the groups have totally different dynamics and attitudes! The comparison of the two makes me love each more! 

Here is a glimpse into the first few weeks of curriculum. 

Signing Our Contract: Respect, Participation, & Leadership

Julio and Class

Malena Escuela Class signing their Contract

"Teapot"

Malena students and Profesora completing an activity together.  We learned how with only a couple sexual interactions/names on our paper, we are introduced to a whole lot (the whole class worth) of people.

The DPV curriculum is written to teach healthy lifestyles. The lessons are typically based around HIV/AIDS and STI. This activity called "pass the ball" teaches students how it is impossible to see who may or may not be infected in a group of people.

Apoyo (Support/Trust) Circles

While this curriculum is mostly about sexual health, we work as a group on team building, respect, and  transitioning into adulthood. Not only are the lessons important, but Caminante's presence in the schools is priceless. The class really look up to us, the young adults, spending time, playing, and talking to them about life! For instance, today, Donchy spent the first 30 minutes of our class talking with a couple of guys about their attitudes and behavior issues that had happened earlier in the week. The teacher and principle felt the boys would respect and listen to Donchy after they had been unable to connect with the boys. There are a million examples just like this, where our students view Caminante's staff as friends, mentors, and disciplinarians when necessary.

Relationships... everything seems to come back to this ever important word.