As part of its Approduction strategy to meet the growing demands for quality behavior change communication and advocacy materials, JOICFP staff were in Laos from 19th October to 5th November to work on the production of a new ASRH video. Entitled A Hard Way to Learn, the video is based on a UNFPA script and is produced in cooperation with that organization and the Lao Youth Union (LYU).

The drama-based video is planned for use with policy makers, government officials, and young people to raise awareness of the need for appropriate information and RH services for young people, and also for the need to make responsible choices in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH). It is designed to be used in various kinds of RH/ASRH environments, preferably with discussion.

Message

The video's main message is that unprotected sex can lead to unwanted pregnancy and complications such as unsafe abortion. It says that there are three kinds of sexual behavior; no sex, unsafe sex, and safe sex.

Supplementary messages include the use of condoms as the safest form of protection, and that both women and men need to share responsibility for sexual behavior.

Outline

The story revolves around a 15-year-old rural girl, Nam Fon, who comes to the capital Vientiane to seek work. She comes under a variety of influences, but her loneliness and homesickness causes her to seek companionship, which later leads to unprotected sex. She becomes pregnant and is persuaded by a 'friend' to have a backstreet abortion. However, she becomes very sick, and is luckily rescued and taken to hospital in time. Unfortunately, the unsafe abortion leaves her sterile.

The main cast of A Hard Way to Learn

The story is told through the eyes of another girl who is a youth health promoter in the community and a relative of Nam Fon.

JOICFP has provided technical assistance, camera work and editing and will supervise the narration, music and titles editing in Laos. It is hoped that the video will not only be utilized in ASRH sessions, but will also be aired on national television in Laos after production finishes in December 2004.

On location shooting