Document PA-00T-FH1

The initiative begins with a group discussion, where participants form a circle and read a letter from Atuwen to Upile. The letter raises questions about cultural practices that impact adolescents positively and negatively. The group is then divided into four mixed groups, each assigned a specific question to discuss. Group one focuses on cultural practices that benefit boys, group two explores practices that benefit girls, group three examines practices that harm boys, and group four investigates practices that harm girls. The groups engage in a 5-10 minute discussion, during which facilitators encourage participation and ensure everyone contributes. Following the group discussions, the participants reconvene in a circle to share their findings. The discussion is then led by the facilitators, who pose a series of questions to the group. These questions aim to gather additional information on cultural practices, how leaders in the community address these practices, and the steps adolescents can take if they are concerned about participating in a harmful practice. The facilitators also ask about the individuals with whom adolescents can discuss their concerns. The program concludes with a commitment from each participant to identify one positive and one negative cultural practice and a trusted adult with whom they can discuss any concerns. This commitment serves as a final step in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of open communication and healthy decision-making among adolescents.