Promote health in 100 teens in Portland, Oregon

When MIKE youth wanted to highlight kidney dialysis as a theme for their health leadership project, the first question their mentor Jimmy asked was, “How will you get fourth graders to understand?”

Antonio, Belimar, De’Corey and Rafael, all ninth graders at De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, thought about a variety of ways they could describe the process to those much younger. They discussed using pictures in a slideshow, having someone talk about it or bringing in a few examples of the equipment, yet nothing seemed to excite them.

Jimmy encouraged the youth to think about what fourth graders like to do. It didn’t take long for them to agree that playing games had to be a top favorite. “That’s it,” said De’Corey. “We’ll create a game that’ll make it fun to learn.”

The team set out to find an efficient way to create their game, centering on the concept of Bingo. They designed the bingo cards with words that featured some aspect of kidneys and health into a grid that they could print out. The youth designed a slideshow that they could project on a screen for all the questions.

“And, we have to have prizes,” said Rafael. “Kids love prizes!”

Now ready with their project concept, Jimmy guided his team toward building out their game, complete with rules that their younger audience could quickly understand. They worked on their materials and speaking roles in anticipation of the big day.

Each MIKE mentor group prepares and delivers a health leadership project to promote health within the communities of the youth. The projects help reinforce the content of the program, while instilling leadership skills in the youth.

Jimmy’s team, like the other mentor teams, were a bit apprehensive about walking into a classroom in another school to present their projects. And Jimmy, like the other MIKE mentors, reassured the youth that their preparations and practice would rise to the occasion.

On December 6, the youth and their mentors boarded buses to travel to their destinations. Jimmy’s group went to Beach Elementary School. After checking in at the school’s office, the group was guided down the hallway toward a fourth grade classroom.

The youth tried to stay focused as their younger peers gazed at them. Once the youth set up the projector to show the game slides, their tension eased. Soon, the youngsters were excitedly playing along and learning about kidney health. The youth passed out water bottles and other school-related items to their eager participants.

“Wow,” exclaimed Antonio, after they left the classroom. “We really did it.”

“Yes, you all did great,” responded Jimmy. “Now that’s how you share health!”

Do you realize how important your support makes such experiences happen? Your donation allows MIKE to provide youth with the opportunity to improve their own health, as well as inspire others to do the same. Together, we can advance the health for more youth and their communities.

Links:

• MIKE Program website