This month, we celebrate youth as change makers. Embracing every chance to learn and grow each new skill unlocks your potential. The following are some of the programme areas and activities organised by Reach A Hand with others.
+++
Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Information, Services, and Advocacy
A month ago, Reach A Hand Uganda held Youth Consultative Meetings under the Generation Gender project, which laid the groundwork for the Youth Summit in Adjumani that took place on 15th August as a safe space for young people to hold their leaders accountable. Hon. Anjowa Evelyn Phiona during the Youth Summit presented the resolutions from these meetings, focusing on youth empowerment, economic growth, and the need for government action to support Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III. The resolutions highlighted issues like limited access to resources, youth-friendly services, and leadership challenges, calling for a review of youth benefits in government programs, a budget for youth activities, and monthly youth days at health centres to ensure young people’s voices lead to real change.
+++
Health Workers and Police Trained for Better Youth Care
This week, through the RAISE project in partnership with Save the Children Uganda, health workers from 10 health centres and police officers from 6 stations in Kasese District received training on handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, rape, and defilement. This training aims to improve their skills, enhance case reporting and documentation, and strengthen collaboration among all parties involved. A District Health Office representative thanked Reach A Hand Uganda for their work, highlighting the need for a supportive environment where young people feel safe seeking help
+++
Family Values in Focus: Youth Highlight Key Points on Family Planning
On August 23rd, the Uganda Youth Alliance for Family Planning and Adolescent Health held a workshop on Uganda’s FP2030 commitments. The event, attended by our peer educators and new staff, focused on Uganda’s progress and goals since its FP2030 commitment in 2021. The workshop aimed to update participants, improve awareness of the commitments, and help organisations track their contributions to the family planning agenda. In discussions from the workshop, young people highlighted the importance of how we talk about family planning. They emphasised that communication is key and that family planning should respect cultural, moral, and family values in both discussion and practice.
+++
I Am Programme Boosts SRH Awareness and Contraceptive Access
Ignorance about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remains a major challenge for young people, which is why we focus on providing accurate and engaging information. We created the Peer Educators Academy to equip young people with essential SRH knowledge so they can share it with their peers. With HIV/AIDS cases still high among youth, our “Increased Access to Modern Contraception (I AM) for a Better Life” programme aims to improve access to modern contraception and integrate it with HIV/AIDS awareness. We’re also working to strengthen connections between young people and healthcare providers, expand the demand for quality contraceptive services, and support local health systems in Mbarara, Rwampara, and Isingiro districts. Check out the stories of young people making a difference.