From intervention to invitation: reshaping adolescent sexual health through story telling and games.

Abstract

The University of Chicago and the University of Ibadan in Nigeria have partnered to exchange innovative insights into the sexual and reproductive health of disadvantaged populations in Chicago and Nigeria. Youth in both Chicago and Nigeria face disproportionately high rates of mortality and morbidity due to poor sexual and reproductive health. Traditional models have fallen short of the needs of these youth, so the University of Chicago is seeking to reframe and retool adolescent sexual health education. Game Changer Chicago is an initiative that incorporates digital storytelling, new media, and game design to conduct workshops with youth around issues of sexuality and emotional health. Based on the success of storytelling and digital media programs in Nigeria and the success of Game Changer Chicago, we believe this model holds promise for implementation in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan countries