This presentation will explore how Malpa’s Young Doctors for Life Project provides challenging hands-on experiences that address physical and social/emotional well-being. Young Doctors learn in a culturally derived and connected way from traditional knowledge holders and western clinicians. They face a range of problems they must solve and are encouraged to share their learnings with peers, family and community.
They deepen connection to culture by engaging with Community and Elders and strengthen their personal voice by learning to share with peers what they value about their new understandings. By being culturally respectful and inclusive, Malpa’s Young Doctors for Life project helps young people to develop a strong sense of self-worth, coupled with increasing pride in culture and community.
Through this positive school based program, Malpa is helping young people take control of their lives, particularly aspects of their health, and it gives them the knowledge to share this with their peers, family and community. This project helps to encourages family to participate and helps Young Doctors feel empowered through experiencing success. They are then able to make decisions that benefit themselves and others. Self-efficacy gives them a strong and meaningful voice in community.