Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute hosted a Family Health Fair attracting over 100 Latino community members on March 15 at WSU.
Parents learned how to communicate with teens about important topics such as puberty, healthy boundaries, and teen pregnancy as their young children enjoyed a day of play and early literacy activities. Middle school students practiced coping skills and strategies to manage peer pressure. High school students learned about transitions to college and toured WSU.
Parents’ commented, “Now I can express myself to my children more clearly.” Youth said, “I need to communicate, advocate and participate in my education.”
Ninety-eight percent of youth indicated improved understanding of the college process, and 87% of parents left better prepared to communicate with their children about making healthy choices.
The day concluded with a lively lunch session on meditation and music provided by Jose Castillo.
Submitted by Mary Jo Marion, director of the Latino Education Institute