Section General Public Health of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, would like to thank all stakeholders (secondary schools, parents, community organizations, students) and Emory University research team, for realizing the 2011 adolescent survey during the week of October 24.
The survey took place among seven secondary schools, and among the out of school students, youth between the age of 13 to 19, as well as those who have dropped out of school.
The participating schools were Milton Peters College, St. Maarten Academy PSVA, St. Maarten Vocational School, St. Maarten Academy, Sundial, Learning Unlimited and St. Dominic High.
The social organizations assisting in coordinating out of school youths are the St. Maarten Youth Council; Victorious Living; GB3 and the University of St. Martin. All mentioned took extra efforts to facilitate the research.
During the survey week there were 340 computer surveys, 17 of which were out of school youth, and 11 focus group discussions with 66 adolescents, all achieved thanks to the schools, organizations, students and parents.
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports are working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Emory University, St. Maarten Aids Foundation and local stakeholders to get an overview of the issues that might affect young people’s, ages 13-19.
The information derived from the survey will now be analyzed and lead to the development of target interventions and to serve as a baseline. The survey will assess protective and risk factors related to the health and wellness of young persons and their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviors of young people related to HIV, sexuality and other sexual and reproductive health issues.