→ FPWA Sexual Health Services, WA

Try getting young people to talk about puberty, body image or sexual issues in a group environment and it's highly likely you'll be met with an awkward silence or embarrassed giggles.

But an innovative program developed by the Family Planning Association of Western Australia (FPWA) is making learning about sexual health an engaging experience for Aboriginal young people approaching puberty.

Delivered over ten sessions, Mooditj – the local Aboriginal word for 'solid' – uses art, puppets, role-plays and informal discussions to explore a wide range of 'sensitive' topics, from self-identity, emotions and positive relationships through to sexual issues and rights.

"Raising serious issues in an entertaining and non-threatening way is an important part of the program's success," says Noelene Smith, FPWA Manager of Education and Training.

"Because Mooditj is for young people between 11 and 14, it's important to use a range of fun activities that can get them laughing and talking.

"They might be a bit shy to start off with but they soon get involved, have fun, make new friends – and they're learning at the same time," she said.

The "extremely positive" response to the Mooditj program is the result of an extensive consultation and development process, with input received from over 200 community members from Kununurra to Albany.

The program has been piloted in ten rural and metropolitan communities around WA, as well as with an after-school program and at a camp, involving over 150 young people.

"Mooditj is a grass roots program that's been built on solid consultation with a wide range of Indigenous communities – and the communities have really taken ownership of it," Mrs Smith said.

To ensure the program is sustainable, FWPA runs four-day Mooditj 'leader training workshops' in communities across WA. Participants have included social workers, police officers, teachers, Indigenous Elders, health workers and community members.

"Training local community members to deliver the Mooditj program helps build community capacity. We are also strong advocates of people learning from each other – which is why we're currently building a database for Mooditj facilitators to share their experiences with each other and pass on valuable information," Mrs Smith said.

Healthway – a statutory body that funds health promotion activities and research in Western Australia – has committed three years of funding to support the program, as well as providing funds for grants for organisations to run their own Mooditj training.

The Mooditj course manual, along with other resources, has generated an enthusiastic response from Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers and service providers in WA and further afield; and an evaluation is underway.

"Quality resources about these issues and for this age group are scarce," Mrs Smith said.

Find out more

FPWA Sexual Health Services
Phone: 08 9227 6177
Website: www.fpwa.org.au/services/educationtraining/projects/#mooditj