Transforming Health Education: SafeBAE’s Keynote in Rhode Island

Shaping the Future of Health Education

To start off October 2024, SafeBAE has been invited to deliver a keynote speech at the Rhode Island Health Educator Conference, a significant step in reshaping how sexual violence prevention and consent education are taught in schools. As an organization dedicated to empowering youth, SafeBAE’s approach to student-led initiatives is changing the way educators view health education, particularly when it comes to addressing sensitive and critical topics like sexual violence.

By bringing SafeBAE’s peer-led model to the forefront of this event, we are not only changing the narrative around sexual violence prevention, but also inspiring educators to rethink their own methods of teaching consent, healthy relationships, and safety. SafeBAE’s Executive Director, Shael Norris, will highlight the transformative impact of empowering students to take the lead in advocating for safer school environments.

Val Odiembo: A SafeBAE Leader Inspiring Change in Rhode Island

Val Odiembo’s journey with SafeBAE has been nothing short of inspiring, culminating in her co-presenting alongside Executive Director Shael Norris at the Rhode Island Health Educator Conference. Val first connected with SafeBAE while attending the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School, where she participated in the pilot of our SafeBAE 360 school program. She quickly became a certified peer educator and took on a leadership role, running the SafeBAE club at her school.

Her commitment to the cause strengthened after attending SafeBAE’s Summer Act Institute this past June, and she has since graduated to pursue nursing at Rhode Island College. Now pursuing a degree in nursing at Rhode Island College, Val is on the path to becoming a sexual assault forensic examiner, a career choice inspired by her work with SafeBAE.

Val’s leadership and passion for creating safer communities made her the perfect partner for the conference’s breakout sessions, where she shared her experience and insights with both students and educators. Her story is a testament to the power of peer-led advocacy in reshaping school environments and fostering a culture of consent. Looking ahead, Val will continue to work closely with SafeBAE in our Rhode Island school initiatives, with support from the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. Her commitment to empowering students and ensuring safe spaces remains central to our mission.

Bridging Generations: Connecting Educators and Students at the Rhode Island Health Educator Conference

In very much SafeBAE fashion, breakout sessions will be co-led by a local student alongside Shael. This collaborative effort embodies SafeBAE’s commitment to bridging the gap between educators and students, fostering an environment where both generations can work together to tackle issues around consent and sexual violence.

This intergenerational approach helps dismantle traditional barriers in education by creating a space where students feel heard and teachers can learn from their perspectives. The involvement of a local student further showcases SafeBAE’s belief that real change happens when young people are not just participants, but leaders in the conversation about their own safety. Together, Shael and the student leader will guide attendees through interactive sessions, demonstrating how peer-led programs can effectively reshape school climates and ensure lasting impacts on the health education landscape.

Bring SafeBAE to You

At SafeBAE, we believe that empowering students and fostering safe environments requires active engagement from both educators and students. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, consider bringing SafeBAE’s peer-led programming to your school. Our customizable programs equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent sexual violence and promote healthy relationships.

In addition to our in-school programs, SafeBAE’s experienced speakers, like Executive Director Shael Norris, can help lead discussions and provide valuable insight into how we can all work together to create safer spaces. Whether it’s a school assembly, educator conference, or community event, SafeBAE is committed to driving meaningful change.

Contact us today by emailing Shael Norris at shael@safebae.org  to learn how you can implement SafeBAE programming or invite a SafeBAE speaker to your next event.

If you would like to support our mission further, consider making a donation to help fund our crucial work and expand our outreach. Every contribution helps us reach more students and schools across the country.