Another Successful Summer with FUPTP

This summer, approximately 100 young men and women are participating in the Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) program. Located at Capital Christian Center, the participants learn about issues which will help to give youth a sound value base which enables them to feel good about themselves and to make wise life decisions. The curriculum focuses on self-esteem, values, goal setting, decision making, risk taking, social skills, communication and relationships and sexuality.

The day begins with the FUPTP pledge, the Black National Anthem and positive raps, then a group lecture based on the topic of the day. The mentees then go with their mentors to small groups for discussions and activities about the topic. Here, they are able to discuss the topics in depth with their peers. After lunch, mentees are treated to an afternoon of specialty groups, speakers, and Junior Achievement. Fridays are field trip days to places such as the zoo, Discovery World, job shadowing or practice their social skills at a local restaurant.

Throughout the day, mentees learn by example. "Hey lady, get me some soda," said one 10 year old mentee who was participating in a skit on social skills. In the skit, two mentees were showing bad manners, and two were acting appropriately. Needless to say, the aforementioned mentee was showing the group that her manners were unacceptable. Once the skit was over, the mentees were asked, "What are acceptable social skills?" All mentees were eager to answer, "saying please and thank you," and, "asking people to pass something instead of reaching over them," were some of the responses.

The eagerness of the mentees to talk about their experiences in FUPTP is also astounding. A group of 9 and 10 year old mentees said they are "learning about self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, self-image, goals, values and respect, and it's fun. We also learn about abstinence and STD's." They also said "[they] liked meeting new people and the mentors are nice." The mentees were excited to have the opportunity to interview their mentor. "We learned what they liked and didn't like, what they wanted to be when they grow up, and what their favorite foods, colors, singers and TV shows are." Raps, skits, ceramics and dancing are also activities they enjoy.

The enthusiasm for FUPTP comes not only from the mentees, but the mentors and staff. When the mentees give a correct answer or participate in a positive manner, they are rewarded with praise, and are left feeling good about themselves. The program supervisor, believes this is an important aspect to the program. "The mentees are provided with a safe, nurturing and positive environment which helps give them the confidence to participate in group discussions and ask questions, which are sometimes difficult. The mentors are an important part of this process because they provide positive peer influence. These two aspects, combined with the curriculum, are what helps make FUPTP special."