Empowering Youth Through Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Based on an episode with Sherry-Ann Joseph 🇬🇩
Welcome to Latinx in Power, a podcast aiming to help to demystify tech, the way we do that is by interviewing Latinx and Caribbean leaders all over the world to hear their perspective and insights.
We talked with Sherry-Ann Joseph (she/her) skills set includes data handling, analysis, report writing, and procurement. Sherry-Ann is passionate about educating adolescents on sexual health through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). Through Grenada Planned Parenthood Association, she mastered project management and grant writing, leading successful grant proposals and coordinating projects with local organizations and researchers.
In this episode, Sherry-Ann will share her journey’s beginnings, discuss her core values, and explore her favorite aspects of project management. She will also talk about her passion for Comprehensive Sexuality Education and working with adolescents.
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How do you feel connected with Latin America culture and how do you feel connected with the Latinx community?
In terms of being connected with Latin American culture, I grew up in Grenada, which is in the Caribbean, and then we had South America and Central America, and we have always been lumped together as Latin America and the Caribbean. So, we call ourselves LAC. Because of that, we have been connected.
Our islands and the countries in South America, we’ve always been connected; big organizations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation, UNICEF, PAHO, they have all put us together. So, because of that, we tend to always be in each other’s space. We tend to learn a lot about the other islands or the other countries that comprise Latin America. How do I feel connected with the Latin community? I mean, because of all of that, our cultures tend to interact with each other.
For example, umbrella-body, we actually have an office in Colombia, and we just recently finished a conference there. Because of all this movement, because of how we’re interconnected as Latin America and the Caribbean, we play an integral role in terms of what we do. So, I would say our community is very, very connected. Additionally, I love those series from Colombia.
So, I watch a lot of shorts, or you can call it miniseries. I watch them. I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese, but I watch them with the closed captions on. So, I feel very connected to Latin American culture. We’re right across. I mean, Grenada is just literally right there. Like, based on our location, it’s easy to get to South America because we would go to Trinidad and then down to Guyana, and we’re right there. We’re in South America.
Can you tell us about your professional career and how everything started?
A long time ago, I wanted to be a medical doctor, but after a while, I decided that maybe I should do something different. So, I pursued a master’s in health education because I believed I could contribute to health education, addressing health issues in our country, especially the rising cases of diabetes, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. I wanted to make an impact not only in Grenada but on a global level. I became a certified health educator through the National Commission for Health Education, Inc., based in the US.
Feeling the desire to do more, I decided to pursue another master’s in public health with a focus on Global Health, specifically women’s health. During my master’s in public health, I took a mandatory project management course and excelled in it. As a result, my professor offered me a job as a project manager. Since then, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I find parallels in everyday life, such as managing a home or a relationship, emphasizing that everything we do involves project management skills. Even simple tasks require effective project management.
What values or principles do you hold dear that guide your decisions and actions and both your professional and personal lives?
So, one of the guiding principles that I adhere to is the belief in educating others to empower themselves. In our culture, there’s a saying that emphasizes the importance of teaching someone to fish rather than just providing them with a fish. This approach aims to empower individuals to fend for themselves and be self-sufficient. Specifically, I am committed to educating young women and young people overall, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions.
This commitment led me to focus on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in response to a noticeable need. Teenage pregnancy rates, while showing a recent decline, remain a concern. I stress to young people that teenage pregnancy can lead to a higher likelihood of poverty, a situation we strive to prevent. The goal is to equip young people with information so that they can make informed decisions about their lives, including choices regarding sexual activity, encouraging them to consider delaying such activities until later years.
It’s essential to note that Grenada, where I work, is considered a Christian and patriarchal society. Consequently, discussing topics related to sex is often considered taboo, creating an environment where people are hesitant or afraid to address these matters openly. I recently encountered this dynamic during a session with young people, where their fear of discussing certain topics was evident due to the presence of a teacher in the room. I am actively working to change these power dynamics, fostering an environment where open communication is encouraged.
In our society, if young girls become pregnant, they often find themselves with two to three children by the time they reach 21 years old. These realities underscore the urgency of my work and the importance of empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and overall well-being.
To talk with adolescents about this topic, sexuality, it must be so scary, how is this for you?
I see myself as a bridge between parents and children, providing a crucial link for the kids who need a safe and supportive space. Acting as a mentor, I aim to guide and assist them, serving as the go-to person when there are things they may be hesitant to ask their parents or teachers. My role involves creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where they feel comfortable discussing various topics with me.
I have established such a strong connection with the young people I work with that they reach out to me at unconventional hours, such as 5:00 AM or 11:00 at night, seeking advice on issues like accidents and the need for contraceptives. The relationships I’ve built have successfully bridged the gap, making them feel unafraid to come to me with their questions.
This aspect of my work fuels my desire to do more. The meaningful connections formed and the impact on the lives of these young people drive my passion. At this point, I am committed to doing everything within my power to support young people in taking care of their sexual health and making informed decisions.
What inspired your interest in CSE, comprehensive sexuality education, and working with adolescents and younger adults on sexual health? How do you approach teaching this sensitive topic?
My favorite aspect of this work isn’t just completing projects but rather the meaningful interactions with the people involved. Connecting with participants, engaging in conversations, and hearing their stories is what motivates me to do more. Every positive outcome reinforces that I am on the right path, contributing to the drive to continue the work.
Initially, there was some resistance, but as people recognize the need for such initiatives, there’s a growing acceptance. I reassure parents that providing accurate information is crucial, and if they don’t share it or let me do so, someone else might, potentially with misinformation. By taking on this role, I aim to make their job as parents easier.
Surprisingly, gaining access to schools for talks has become more straightforward. The willingness of schools to host these discussions encourages me to persist in my efforts. Involving young people from a youth advocacy movement in presentations has proven effective. Their peer-to-peer approach reduces the taboo around the topics, making it easier for their peers to ask questions and engage in discussions.
With a background in biology, specifically a bachelor’s degree, I find that my knowledge in reproductive systems, acquired during my studies, significantly aids in teaching about these topics. Incorporating my learned skills and knowledge along the way makes the role of being a CSE educator more manageable.
Is there any specific area or skills that you are looking to further develop in your career?
Absolutely, there’s always room for development. Despite my involvement in various initiatives, I sometimes feel that I may not be an exceptional communicator or listener. Therefore, I aspire to enroll in a communication course, perhaps spanning six months or so. This would enhance my ability to communicate effectively during presentations and also improve my active listening skills. The goal is to better engage with the youth, incorporate their perspectives into my presentations, and ensure a more significant impact in my work on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
Do you feel the younger generation, the way that they communicate or even consume information is different from us?
I completely resonate with that sentiment. The communication landscape has evolved drastically, especially among the younger generation. Their way of interacting is vastly different, and as educators, we must be mindful of this shift in our approach. Unlike the traditional lecture-style presentations, which might bore today’s youth, I find incorporating videos and interactive activities to be more effective. This dynamic method keeps them engaged and ensures that the presentation has a lasting impact.
Adaptability is key. While I may be older, adapting to their communication style is essential for success. By embracing their preferences and incorporating elements that resonate with them, such as videos and activities, I become more relatable. This adaptability fosters a positive perception among the youth, making it easier for them to connect and communicate with me. It’s all about bridging the generational gap and creating an environment where they feel comfortable and understood.
Which resource helped you in your journey? Is there anything you want to share with us today?
Websites like amaze.org are invaluable for health educators, providing a plethora of videos and materials covering crucial topics such as puberty, comprehensive sexual education, consent, healthy relationships, and issues like bullying. These resources not only enhance your knowledge but also serve as a foundation for creating engaging and informative presentations for the youth you work with.
Additionally, leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn, specifically following accounts like Project Management, adds another dimension to your professional development. The tips and insights shared on this platform offer valuable guidance for project managers, allowing you to stay informed and implement effective strategies in your work. The recent update to a professional LinkedIn account reflects the importance of showcasing your work, connecting with others in your field, and expanding the reach of your impactful initiatives. It’s wonderful to see how these digital resources contribute to your continuous growth and the positive impact you make in your community.
Where can people find you?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on your podcast. I really enjoyed talking with you today. I also have a deep passion for teaching comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents and youth. If you’re listening, interested, and think we can collaborate, you can find me on LinkedIn. My name is Sherry-Ann Joseph on my account, where it states I’m a research consultant and project manager, also involved in grant writing. If this interests you, feel free to send me a message so that we can connect. Thank you so much for having me.
I hope you enjoyed the podcast. We will have more interviews with amazing Latinx leaders the first Tuesday of every month. Check out our website Latinx In Power to hear more. Don’t forget to share comments and feedback, always with kindness. See you soon.
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Additional Reading Mentioned in the Interview
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