In an unusual move, over 40 children from Silves, aged between 12 to 18 years, have spent the summer learning about the dangers of the sun, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases and passing on their knowledge to residents and holidaymakers in Armação de Pêra.
The teenagers have watched slide shows about the diseases that can be caught if precautions are not taken, held debates and then distributed flyers and condoms to the general public. And, every Wednesday they have been taking part in unusual aerobic lessons on the beach. “It’s been great fun!” said 14-year-old Nuno, who was one of the team leaders. “Some people refused to take the condom or the flyer because they thought they had to pay for it. Then we would have to explain why we were doing the project. When they finally realised it was free, they didn’t only want one, they wanted more!” The project was organised by the Algarve Health Administration (ARS), the Narcotics Institute (IDT), the Institute Piaget and the Portuguese Youth Institute.
Doctors and nurses from Faro, Alvor and Silves hospitals also donated their time to help. Today (September 3), at 6pm, the children will be demonstrating some of the knowledge they’ve learned over the summer in front of the Casino da Praia in Armação de Pêra.
