Dr. Tortello Urges Students to Develop Positive Life Skills

Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Education (MOE), Dr. Rebecca Tortello, has encouraged students to develop critical life skills which can aid them in making positive decisions.
Dr. Tortello was addressing the opening of the National Sexuality and Reproductive Health Expo, held under the theme, ‘Nuh linga, nuh badda do it, sweep weh sex or make a proper flex’, at the National Arena, Kingston, Wednesday (February 11).
“We want to help you gain and practise critical life skills, that are necessary for positive decision making regarding sexual practices and encounters, and that includes increased tolerance for those of us who are living with and affected by HIV/AIDS”, she stated.
Dr. Tortello explained that the Ministry could not deliver the message alone, and needed partnerships.
“The MOE knows that in today’s world, we cannot educate our children alone. We must all work together – home, school and community – on all aspects of our children’s education, and that also means awareness of sexual reproductive health issues,” she pointed out.
She added that students should discuss the information with their friends and parents.
Monique Allen, a student at the Penwood High School, Kingston, lauded the MOE for hosting the Expo.
“Most girls do not know about their bodies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), so [they will leave] with more information,” she said.
The National Sexuality Expo was put on by the Health Promotion Team of the Guidance and Counselling Unit in the Ministry of Education.
Sponsors for the event included the National Family Planning Board, the National Council on Drug Abuse, Children’s First, Rise Life Management Services, Women’s Media Watch, Global Fund, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO), National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation, United Nations Population Fund (UNDP), The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).