As the final plans are being put together to make sure everything is in place for September, I realise how much I am looking forward to running a third Romance Academy (RA) in the Autumn Term. Based on the television program ‘No Sex Please We’re Teenagers’ Romance Academy is a course for young people aged 14-17 that runs for 15 weeks, including a launch event, a weekend residential and a Graduation. Through the group sessions and mentoring the group pledge to refrain from sexual activity for the duration of the course as we consider sexual delay and abstinence. We really encourage the teenagers to think ahead before they find themselves in difficult situations.

Over the course we look at issues of STI’s, alcohol, drugs, fashion, friendship, self esteem, role models and friendship. It has been a real privilege to work with the young people both here at MBC and at Carr Manor high and with the other RA leaders across Leeds.

One of the huge lessons that have come out of RA is that the way that we view ourselves affects the way we act and the decisions we make. With a little information, some support and a chance to explore what they actually think and want out of life, nearly all the young people made significant decisions that will affect their lives for the positive. They grow to an understanding that there are much bigger issues in life than peer pressure and we see their confidence grow as they listen to others and start to voice their own opinions.

It is easy to think that these issues simply affect young people, but it is simple to go from day to day not really thinking about the decisions we make and going with the flow of those around us. To conclude these thoughts I encourage you to reflect on one on my favorite quotes (although I have to confess I don’t know who said it),

Live God’s PRIORITIES not everyone else’s EXPECTATIONS

and read the attached report for full details on this years Romance Academy’s in Leeds. The young people’s words and statistics say so much more than I ever could!