Empowering people for a healthy future Ulrike Neubert

Empowering people for a healthy future Ulrike Neubert Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung (DSW)

“The Young Adolescents Project - Improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young Adolescents (10 -14) in Uganda” » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Why addressing 10 -14 years old adolescents with family planning education? ØEarly adolescence marks a critical time of development for young people ØMany societies perceive 14 years old as young adults, ready for work, marriage and child bearing ØIt is an opportune time to positively influence choices and lifestyles - as attitudes are formed that can last into adulthood » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

How are young people prepared? • Among 12– 14 -year-olds, only 33. 8% of females and 22% of males have received sex education in school • 71% of females and 64% of males have never talked with their parents about sexrelated matters • Many adolescents have an early sexual debut: 22. 6 % of females have had sexual intercourse by age 15 » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Consequences ØUganda’s high teenage pregnancy rate of 32% Ø 46% of all of HIV/AIDS cases occur among young people. » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Why? ? • 10 -14 years olds are often considered as too young for sexuality education and hence left out in SRHR projects for young people • Teachers and parents do not have comprehensive understanding of SRHR issues, and do not talk about SRHR issues with their pupils and children • It is culturally taboo to talk about sex with children and youth ØAs a consequence: The knowledge of young adolescents about changes in puberty, risk of pregnancies and family planning as well as ways of HIV/AIDS transmissions is poor and based on » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Objectives of YAP • To increase sexual and reproductive health knowledge of young adolescents in primary schools • To create support of parents/guardians, teachers and community leaders for reproductive and sexual health of young adolescents. • To increase access to, utilization and referral of quality youth friendly reproductive health services for young © DSW – März 21 » www. dsw-

Outcomes ØThe knowledge level of young adolescents regarding pregnancy prevention increased by 87% Ø 92% responded positively on what family planning is, who uses family planning methods and what a well planned family means. Ø 98% knew at least 2 methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy for boys and girls. Ø 60% were more confident to discuss www. dsw- sex attraction, HIV/AIDS, and © DSW – März 21 » opposite

Outcomes …. Continued Ø 75% of students expressed willingness to share SRH information and knowledge with their teachers in school. Ø 80% of the parents expressed willingness to openly talk about SRH information needs with the adolescents. ØTeachers increased information about SRHR issues in class by 38% ØSix schools reported a reduced drop out rate of 34% for girls » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Lessons Learnt Ø To address young adolescents’ SRHR needs in a sustainable manners means to engage parents, schools and communities Ø Adolescents will tend to follow youthfriendly communication methods to comprehend reproductive health issues Ø Capacity building of existing reproductive health efforts at the school, community and family is vital for new approaches to address the role of reproductive health in family planning. © DSW – März 21 » www. dsw-

Lessons ……. Continued Ø Addressing sexual harassment of young people needs to be an integrative part of SRHR projects Ø there is need to strengthen youthfriendly health service delivery » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Conclusion Leaving young adolescents out of the SRHR and family planning discussions is counter productive - if we want to truly address the challenges of reproductive health» in the www. dsw- Thank You! © DSW – März 21

WHAT to Do? ? ? üStart preparing young people early enough to enable them to make informed decisions and healthy life choices! üUse a holistic approach, consider their influential environment! HOW to prepare them? ? ? üEquip young people with life skills and knowledge about their changing bodies, dangers of teenage pregnancies and advantages of planning for your family üUse methods that are attractive to young people üBuild a supportive surrounding, where young people have access to adequate and correct information and services » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Intervention Strategies and Activities for Adults ü Capacity building ü Beneficiaries active involvement ü Awareness creation and grass root advocacy ü Beneficiaries active involvement Parent-with-Child Dialogue workshop » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21

Intervention Strategies and Activities for Pupils ü Peer education ü Youth Participation ü Youth-friendly environment, methods and materials Young Adolescents during a training camp » www. dsw- © DSW – März 21