Sol Naciente (Rising Sun)
Sol Naciente has initiated an innovative curriculum in the schools of Machala to prevent abuse, teen pregnancy, and child labor. It is a sex education program that goes beyond sex, including all aspects of inter-gender relations.
The “School of Friendship” works within the public school system, where it teaches boys and girls that they can be friends with each other -- and not just girlfriends and boyfriends. It also teaches girls what they can do to avoid and prosecute teachers who molest them -- this has been a huge problem in Machala. Finally, it works with student councils to make them into real fora to defend student rights.
Sol Naciente also works with “Rockeros” (metalheads), several groups of young men who rebel against society by listening to and playing heavy metal. The program recognizes and affirms their critique of contemporary culture and the courage and intelligence necessary to resist it. Since many kids love this music in Machala, Sol Naciente proposes to train the rockeros as peer educators; they will then use their music and interpretations of it to teach about healthy inter-gender relations.
Finally, Sol Naciente trains teachers and families in how to promote justice and gender equality in schools and at home.
Sol Naciente is a volunteer based program.
Sol Naciente
593 7 938 820
contact: Nelson Villareal, <huancavilca97@hotmail.com>
