Empowering Young People to challenge harmful norms and practices through SRH/GBV Safe Space Dialogue at Jewa Primary School
In a bid to empower young minds and address critical issues surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), MNYPA, as part of its Power to Youth program, recently conducted a transformative activity at Jew Primary School in Mbale district. This dialogue aimed to create a safe and open space for young people, fostering meaningful discussions on topics that are often considered taboo in our society. The methodology employed for this program was designed with a focus on systematic and impactful implementation. In preparation for the sessions, MNYPA reached out to school prefects, mobilizing participants from various school clubs and class representatives, ensuring that 70% of attendees were Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Head teachers were engaged to allocate suitable time for the sessions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges young people face in accessing SRH/GBV services. To create an inclusive environment, MNYPA ensured that discussions were held in a confidential and judgment-free atmosphere, with no teachers present during the sessions. Interactive activities, including case studies and group discussions, encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving among the students. Peer educators from the classroom shared their experiences to sensitize their peers to the challenges faced in accessing SRH/GBV services. During the dialogue, primary five, six, and seven students, predominantly girls with a few boys, discussed various critical issues. They delved into topics such as the differences between the male and female reproductive organs, harmful practices such as early and forced marriage, and even delved into myths surrounding abortion. Some of the responses from the students were eye-opening, with phrases like "Taking salt prevents pregnancy" and "Taking tea leaves prevents pregnancy" revealing the misconceptions that exist. The activity yielded significant commitments. The head teacher pledged to welcome the team back for future sessions, recognizing the importance of these dialogues. The students themselves committed to creating clubs where they could freely discuss challenges related to accessing sexual reproductive health services and harmful practices like abortion. One of the major outcomes was the exploration of Sexual Reproductive Health perspectives from the learners' representative and senior woman teacher, emphasizing the role that young people can play in advocacy and awareness. Looking ahead, MNYPA and teachers are committed to creating safe spaces for further dialogue within a month's time. Learners will be appointed as leaders to take charge of these sessions and boost their confidence. Throughout the dialogue, valuable lessons were learned, including dispelling myths surrounding abortion and gaining insights into the harmful practices affecting young people. Challenges included limited time allocation and low self-esteem among learners. To address these challenges, it is recommended to allocate more time for these sessions and build learners' confidence. In conclusion, the SRH/GBV safe space dialogue at Jew Primary School exemplified MNYPA's commitment to empowering young people by providing them with a platform to discuss crucial issues. By creating safe and inclusive environments and encouraging peer-to-peer education, MNYPA is fostering a generation of informed and empowered youth who can advocate for their rights and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more updates from the Power to Youth program as we continue our mission to empower young people living with HIV in the Mbale district. Reported by: Mugide Divine Hope-MNYPA Project Officer.
