On 22 June 2002, MAM organized a gathering of around 60 young people to express their point of view on the subject of abortion, whether it is a solution in case of sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV infected mothers or fear of down syndrome babies. The following causes of abortion were brought forward:
- Fear of parents and society
- Too young to fulfill the responsibilities of a mother
- Wish to go for further studies
- Lack of information on sexual relations
- Pressurized by parents, friends and partners
- Fear of a disabled or HIV infected child
- Lack of support of parents in case of down syndrome or handicapped babies
The possible ways to prevent abortion were found to be:
- “Look before you leap” – give a thought before indulging in sexual relationships
- Communication with a responsible adult
- Keep the baby with the help of parents and partner
- Take necessary treatment for those who are HIV infected
- Adoption of the child
Important reflections made by the youths
- “The handicapped child has the right to live. Only God has the right to take away life”
- “Very often one forgets how much love and joy a child brings with it”
- “A child is innocent. The parents should assume their responsibilities and accept the child the way it is.”
The session ended with the telecast of a movie entitled “LAVIE ENE IMIN: PREMIER MERVEY“. The movie was based on the different stages of a baby’s development in the mother’s womb, starting from the fertilization till the 9th month of pregnancy. Everybody was amazed by the beauty and the fragility of life.
MAM believes in the power of youth. MAM is always in need of volunteers to sensitize and carry the message on love and life.
MAM has done a lot of work with the youth in order to sensitize them about the responsibility towards their sexuality. This is done in two ways:
- By explaining to them the changes they are going through during their adolescence so that they may have a better understanding of their emotions and a correct knowledge of their fertility and sexuality.
- By bringing awareness to the young people -boys and girls – about the different problems which can arise due to early/teenage pregnancy
MAM believes that both young boys and girls need to be educated because “it takes two to create life”. A program of 4 sessions was set up for this purpose and it was based on the following themes:
- Problems of early/teenage pregnancy
- Life in its beginnings
- Becoming parents
- Falling in love – take your time
Some of the works which MAM has done to carry out its mission towards the youth are highlighted below.
In 1999, MAM in collaboration with Action Familiale and EVA worked on a program called “Et si on parlait d’amour?” The aim was to provide information about sexuality on video cassettes and VCDs accompanied by a booklet to the youth so that they can have a better understanding of the subject. This program was financed by UNICEF.
On 22 June, 2002 MAM gathered around 60 young people at national level so that they can express their point of view on the subject of abortion, whether it is a solution in case of sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV infected mothers or fear of handicapped babies.( See inset for further details)
In 2003, the International Call Centre of Rogers Telecom carried out a survey for MAM based on the subject “Parents of tomorrow“. 73 young girls and 43 young boys who were at the edge of finishing their secondary level education from 49 different schools, were called at their home. The questions asked were about the youth and sexuality, marriage and families, knowledge concerning fertility, development of a baby and pregnancy. The results were published in the newsweek “Infovie” which can be an invaluable source of information for the youth who want a better understanding of their body and emotions.
Three surveys were also carried in 2005 for the age groups 12 – 14 years, 15-16 years and 17-18 years representing 18% of the population. The results were published in one of the leading newspapers. A copy the survey is also available for downloading.
Publication in 2005 of the book “Enfant, Ado , Unique la route de ta Vie“. The objectives of the book are to give information about the welcoming of a baby, the different stages of his development as a child and as a teenager. These foundation years are of utmost importance. The importance of a positive attitude in education is vital to strengthen the child confidence and to give the chances of a good start in life.
