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Pohl trains students, counselors to ‘rise up’
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Posted on Jan 14 2016
John Charles Pohl, center, executive producer of Teen Truth and Rising Up, poses for a photo with student leaders on Tinian this week during a training workshop. (Contributed Photo)
According to Pohl, Rising Up is a peer-to-peer curriculum designed to teach students how to overcome adversity.
Pohl last visited the CNMI in 2011 and 2012 to present Teen Truth, a highly motivational assembly experience focused on topics such as bullying, drugs, and body image in response to the Columbine High School shooting.
“Our goal is to empower student voice in every aspect of education,” he told Saipan Tribune.
Pohl is hosting training workshops on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and will be holding a wide assembly on Friday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium—an effort spearheaded by CNMI PSS’ Boni Pangelinan.
“The movement was designed to represent student voice, and to promote student-driven education initiatives,” he said. “Our goal is to spark honest discussion about the current struggles that teenagers face.”
Within both programs Pohl provides more specific of training in leadership as well.
“We help students, educators, and parents understand the most critical issues on campus, and create a plan of action to overcome those challenges,” he added.
The Rising Up program Pohl is introducing this week extends the organization’s efforts to build resilience and change the language around bullying, school pressures, and life challenges.
“Our work here in this visit is two-fold. First and foremost we are hear to help support the school counselors on the islands. Our goal is to provide them with a team of students that will extend guidance efforts around social and emotional issues,” he said. “The second is to provide a leadership opportunity for students to mentor and support each other. The core message of RISING UP is to teach students the skills needed to overcome adversity and be resilient.”
