The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with Sector Health Care Affairs hosted a very insightful, interactive, and enlightening discussion on the topic of Safe Sex. The evening was not only fun filled as the Library promised it would be, but also very informative.
Although attendance was not what they hoped it would be, the teenagers and adults that showed up participated and spoke up about what they felt were very important issues pertaining to sexual behavior amongst teenagers.
The evening started off with opening remarks by the Honorary Reverend Florentina Richardson who not only blessed the program, but encouraged teenagers "to keep …moving in the right direction of your bright future-your destiny". Also in attendance was Miss Natasha Richardson who spoke on behalf of Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson, and again emphasized the need for teenagers to "take responsibility for your sexual health".
The most entertaining part of the evening was a skit performed by the group Teenage Sex Drive appropriately titled "Don’t Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy". The youngsters brought forth a very strong message about the consequences of having unprotected sex, and how it can, not only harm you physically but also mentally.
The final and indeed most important section was the information session, which was done by Ms. Fenna Arnell and Ms Daphne Illis of The Preventative Health Department. They presented the information in a very interactive manner, which allowed the teenagers to participate thereby giving them a chance to voice their main concerns about sex and what they think about it.
The program coordinator Maryland Powell, who thought the session went well and that it was as promised a fun night, but also very informative, would like to remind everyone that " It takes a community to raise a child". A main point brought up during the night however, was not only the lack of attendance, but that parents should also get involved in concerning themselves about informing their teenagers to practice safe sex and enquire about the knowledge they have on the topic.
The Philipsburg Jubilee Library plans on hosting another evening where hopefully more teenagers get involved along with their parents. A special thank you is also extended to all those who came out and made the evening special by participating. The Library would also like to remind the general public that although the information evening is over they can still come out to the Library and inform themselves on the topic of Safe Sex as there is a display of books about the issue.