Both projects trained adolescents to provide safer sex workshops for their peers. One worked with youth from a slum community, Heliópolis, while the other trained students aged 14-21 years to conduct workshops in public schools. GTPOS brought the two groups of PHEs together through a party; it was their suggestion to begin the prevention network project.

In addition to providing education on safer sex, sexuality, prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexual abuse, the adolescents, known as Teen Leaders, encourage other youth to fight for their rights as citizens and social actors able to intervene in their communities. Their own experience as PHEs triggered this emphasis. They had learned to focus and organize activities as group leaders disseminating prevention information and they developed a strong sense of being involved in a "common cause" for which they could proudly contribute as main community actors.

Since they participate in planning and evaluating proposals, the adolescents learn not only to work cooperatively in groups but also some valuable perception and reflection skills. This learning experience promotes self-esteem; the weekly meetings create a strong sense of belonging to a group.

Youth of different social classes have been brought together and this strengthened their conviction that exchange of experience is important. The exchange takes place based on their perception of the differences between them. The youngsters live in an uneven society, where youth experience unequal opportunities in access to health, education, justice and employment.

A significant factor contributing to the project's success is that GTPOS links the Teen Leaders with other groups such as adult leaders of the Heliópolis Federation of Community Associations, the National AIDS/STD Prevention Programme, the school system and health professionals. Teachers at several schools became involved in the project when the youth began asking them questions about sexual health.