July 2018 Choma Dreams Caf DREAMS Innovation Challenge

July 2018 Choma Dreams Café: DREAMS Innovation Challenge Project

Choma Dreams Café DATE: 14 Sept `16 Choma Dreams Café is an HIVSA project that is premised on innovation —combining the success of the online Choma Magazinea (a free digital mobile magazine), DREAMS Core and community based work —creating safe spaces for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 10 -24 yrs.

DATE: 14 Sept `16 AGYW: A critical stage when, for many girls, vulnerability is consolidated, their rights irremediably lost and health compromised

Our Context DATE: 14 Sept `16 • Gender-related restriction on mobility is an overarching structural impediment that isolates AGYW and contributes to their vulnerability. • Marginalization of AGYW limits opportunities to participate in programs meant to protect them, reduce their risk, and provide opportunityopening assets that interrupt the pathway to HIV infection. • Highly limited or absent peer networks (very low participation in clubs or programs). • Very limited access to digital media and health messages. • 7. 9 million people in South Africa, representing 14% of the population, are estimated to be living with HIV, with AGYW disproportionally affected (HSRC, 2018).

Program Approach DATE: 14 Sept `16 • With over 7 million people currently estimated to be living with HIV in South Africa, with adolescent girls particularly being at risk for HIV infection (NSP 2017 -2022). • HIVSA utilises multi-dimensional approaches to build the capacity of Community-Based Organizations to run the Choma Dreams Cafes. • 30 Choma Dreams Cafes have been set up in Gauteng and 10 in Kwa. Zulu Natal. • Cafes used for layering multi-dimensional interventions at CBOs – thereby strategically strengthening and expanding integration of DREAMS, Bridge, Digital Media and OVCY programme activities. • Surpassed original target of 13, 249 AGYW.

Choma Dreams Café Response DATE: 14 Sept `16 Individualized support by older female mentor (Choma Café Champion) Safe spaces to access streamlined & customized online HIV/SRH information Access to Core set of Evidence-based Interventions - parenting & caregiver programmes (Let’s Talk), Vhutshilo (HIV prevention), economic strengthening & IEC Empowered & resilient AGYW with reduced HIV risk AGYW mobilisation & development circles (norms change effect Provision, linkages & referrals to HCT, ART, contraception, condoms, GBV services Access to IEC, educational and economic strengthening opportunities & Choma Online Magazine

Choma Dreams Café: Theory of Change DATE: 14 Sept `16

Choma DREAMS Café DATE: 14 Sept `16 Refurbished shipping containers that are: • Solar-powered and have internet connectivity • Funky & Fun • Versatile • Empowering • Safe Spaces

DATE: 14 Sept `16 PROGRESS: Gauteng Province & Kwa. Zulu-Natal (April '17 June 18)

Together we can achieve an HIV-free generation DATE: 14 Sept `16

DATE: 14 Sept `16 Thrives on Partnerships & Collaborations

Lessons Learnt DATE: 14 Sept `16 • “Safe spaces” for AGYW are a real need in marginalized communities - the Choma Dreams Cafés well-positioned to respond to the need. • Recruitment and retention mechanism for AGYW to participate in DREAMS and other OVCY programs. • Safe spaces: an asset in themselves and a platform to build health, social, and economic assets for AGYW. • Platform for layering and coordinating interventions – clear synergy with DREAMS core activities & aligns well with all OVCY programs. • Robust mechanism for promoting access and uptake of HCT and SRHR - AGYW became eager for HIV test to know their HIV status. • Addressing sustainability from project inception and working with facilities to take ownership of the project is critical.

Next Steps DATE: 14 Sept `16 • Scale up to reach the most vulnerable AGYW in priority districts and sub-districts (e. g. Sedibeng & City of Tshwane). • Exploration to implement the innovation in a more cost-effective way – considerations to convert existing rooms into Choma Dreams Cafés in resource-scarce communities. • The Choma Dreams Cafés are slowly being opened for access to boys and young men. Is this the best? There is clear need for evidence! • Endline evaluation in progress: promises of improved outcomes for AGYW. • Call for Investment - investing in this innovation is vital strategy for poverty reduction and interrupting vulnerabilities for the most disadvantaged AGYW in poorest communities.

Thank you! DATE: 14 Sept `16 This presentation was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State as part of the DREAMS Innovation Challenge, managed by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI). The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State or JSI.