Amanda Seebass
I'm from Sweden, and I've spent the summer interning with Brazos Abiertos Yucatán. My experience has been valuable for both my professional and my personal life. I've learned so much, but for now I would like to focus on one special moment.
During my second week, I entered a classroom in a low-income neighbourhood to teach teenagers about sexual health. For two days, we organised several workshops in two different schools. I collaborated with a medical student from Mérida which allowed me to immerse totally into the Mexican culture.
By working together, combining our different experiences and perspectives, we were able to make a positive impact on the community. The neighbourhoods we visited have the highest pregnancy rates in the whole of Mexico, so Brazos Abiertos' presence here is really needed. In a culture with strong religious sentiments and stigmas surrounding sexual norms, we teached delicate subjects, things that they may never have heard about before.
It is heartbreaking to see kids with so much potential that they may never realise because of their environment. The kids I encountered were so outgoing and eager to learn but, unfortunately, I learned that many of these teenagers drop out of school early, to get married and start a family. This doesn't allow them to pursue any kind of higher education or career.
We must empower these kids, and give them the tools to break the pattern and make decisions that will benefit them and their life. It was a powerful feeling to see their energy and their enthusiasm and to see their eyes light up when you engage them in these topics. It's a great when you know that you have inspired kids by showing them that they can take control over their life and their body and I think that we really did make a difference.
You can see Amanda and our other volunteers talking about their experiences in our video Volunteer Now! Interns
And don't miss Victoria Aziz's account of her time with us.
Have a look at our new expats video where they also talk about the passion that drives them.
