COUNTRY: MOZAMBIQUE
September 2024
Empowering Communities through SRHR and Social Change Training
The district of Mogovolas recently hosted a comprehensive training for teachers, GBV activists, and Youth Hub mentors, focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Communication for Social and Behavioural Change. Participants from four administrative posts—Nametil, Iuluti, Nanhupo Rio, and Muatua—gathered to strengthen their capacity in addressing key SRHR issues within their communities.
This training, conducted under the BREAK FREE program in partnership with SAT, aims to equip educators and mentors with the knowledge and tools to drive impactful change, fostering healthier and more informed communities. By integrating SRH education with strategies for effective social and behavioural change communication, we are working to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services for young people.
SAT remains committed to supporting initiatives like these that empower local leaders to advocate for and implement solutions that improve the health and well-being of adolescents and youth across Mozambique.
#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #SRHR #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityLeadership
COUNTRY: MALAWI
September 2024
Engaging Senior Chiefs in the Fight for SRHR in Malawi
SAT Malawi participated in the Engagement Meeting with Senior Chiefs on Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR), hosted by the Reproductive Health Directorate under the Ministry of Health. This pivotal event focused on the critical issues affecting our youth, such as teenage pregnancies and Cervical Cancer prevention.
Her Excellency Madam Monica Chakwera, the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, being named the Champion of SRHR with a special focus on the reduction of teenage pregnancies and the introduction of the HPV vaccine as a strategy for Cervical Cancer prevention has appointed the Senior Chiefs to collaborate with her in driving efforts to prevent early childbearing, adolescent pregnancies, and Cervical Cancer.
This event signifies a monumental step in ensuring stronger leadership and community involvement in tackling SRHR challenges across Malawi.
COUNTRY: ZIMBABWE
September 2024
Promoting Learner Health and Wellbeing: SAT Zimbabwe’s Collaborative Stakeholders Meeting in Chitungwiza
SAT Zimbabwe, in partnership with Youth Aspire Development Trust (YADT), hosted a successful District Stakeholders Meeting in Chitungwiza to formally introduce the School Health Programme. The initiative, aimed at enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of learners, brought together key stakeholders from the education, health, and community sectors.
The programme’s primary objectives are to reduce teenage pregnancies, curb school dropouts, and improve learner retention by providing students with access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and education within school environments. By addressing these challenges head-on, the programme seeks to create a safer and more supportive atmosphere for young people to thrive academically and personally.
The meeting highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable framework that ensures long-term success. The active involvement of local stakeholders, including school authorities, health professionals, and community leaders, is critical in implementing policies that promote safe, healthy learning spaces.
Through this initiative, SAT Zimbabwe and YADT are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of learners in Chitungwiza, fostering an environment where young people can pursue their education without the risk of health-related setbacks or the pressure of social and economic challenges.
#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #LearnerHealth #learnerwellbeing
COUNTRY: UGANDA
September 2024
PEERU and SAT Present Last-Mile Condom Distribution Initiatives at the National Condom Coordination Committee Meeting
In partnership with SAT, PEERU had the privilege of presenting its initiatives on last-mile condom distribution during the National Condom Coordination Committee meeting, hosted by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Our Executive Director, Mr Bwire Moses, shared key updates from the Uganda Commodity Report, highlighting efforts to improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) resources across various districts.
Central to the presentation was the YouthWyze Uganda app, developed in collaboration with SAT. This digital platform empowers out-of-school youth in Kampala by providing access to SRH information and resources, including last-mile condom distribution. The Ministry of Health expressed admiration for the app’s innovative approach in bridging the gap between young people and essential SRH services.
The committee encouraged PEERU and SAT to extend YouthWyze’s reach beyond Kampala to other districts in Uganda. They also emphasised the importance of engaging students in universities and institutions of higher learning to further promote condom access and utilisation.
PEERU, in partnership with SAT, remains committed to expanding the YouthWyze platform, ensuring that more young people, no matter their location, benefit from essential SRH services. We are excited to continue working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to foster a healthier, more informed generation.
#YouthLeadHealth #SHRH4All #AdolescentHealthForAll #LastMileDistribution #CondomAccess #PEERU #SafeSexEducation
COUNTRY: MALAWI
September 2024
Empowering Youth Through Knowledge: COMYODS Peer Educator Training at LUANAR
SAT Malawi was proud to support the College of Medicine Youth Development Society (COMYODS) during their recent peer educator training at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The training, aimed at addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in higher education, provided peer educators with the knowledge and skills to support their peers, raise awareness, and contribute to the prevention and management of SGBV on campus.
Our Country Director opened the event with powerful remarks about the importance of empowering youth to be change agents within their communities. SAT Youth Officer, Foster, delivered an engaging presentation on the YouthWyze platform and its role in facilitating access to SRHR information and linking youth to friendly SRH services. The SAT Youth Hub also plays a crucial role in promoting meaningful youth engagement and participation in decision-making structures. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to building safe and supportive environments for students across Malawi’s institutions of higher learning.
COUNTRY: ZIMBABWE
September 2024
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Access to SRH Services for Adolescents
SAT Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Access Taskforce members, recently convened a sensitisation meeting to thoroughly examine the Medical Services Amendment Bill and its implications for adolescents’ access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. The discussions brought to light the pressing need to review and amend existing legal restrictions that hinder young people’s ability to seek vital SRH care.
The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing barriers to SRH services in order to reduce the rates of teenage pregnancies, STIs, HIV, and unsafe abortions among adolescents. Legal reforms, combined with awareness and advocacy, can significantly improve the health outcomes for young people in Zimbabwe, ensuring they receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
This engagement reflects SAT Zimbabwe’s commitment to advocating for policies that promote equitable access to healthcare and safeguard the well-being of adolescents across the country.
COUNTRY: BOTSWANA
September 2024
Enhancing Community Engagement through Community-Led Monitoring Training
SAT Botswana recently conducted a comprehensive training session focused on Community-Led Monitoring (CLM). The primary goal was to introduce participants to the concept of CLM, equipping them with essential skills in data collection methodologies and fostering effective engagement and communication with key stakeholders within their communities.
Participants were introduced to the Youthspeak app, a vital tool for youth engagement, and engaged in role-playing exercises to simulate real-world scenarios of approaching young people in their communities. Additional role plays, including focused group discussions, allowed participants to refine their communication strategies and engagement techniques.
The outcome of this training was to empower young people to identify gaps and challenges in the healthcare services they receive at health facilities. Furthermore, it aimed to enhance their ability to engage with community stakeholders to collaboratively develop solutions and advocate for improved, high-quality services. By fostering active participation, the training supports the ongoing drive to ensure that young people play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare services they rely on.