Integrating Reproductive Health into Youth Development Programs Angie Venza, Program Director May 2012
Aug 06, 2015
Integrating Reproductive Health into Youth
Development Programs
Angie Venza, Program Director
May 2012
International Youth Foundation
• Invests in the extraordinary potential of young people.
• Works in 73 countries with 200 local partner organizations.
• Delivers holistic programs to promote positive youth development – through learning, work and citizenship.
Planning for Life Program2007 - 2013
• Approach: Integrate youth reproductive health/family planning education into on-going youth education, livelihoods, and civic engagement programs.
• Goals of Integrated YRH/FP education: Empower youth with information Equip youth with skills to make responsible
decisions and behavior choices.Connect youth to resources
Planning for Life: 2007 - 2013
• Carried out with local partners in: Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Jordan, St. Lucia and Dominican Republic
• Resources developed and available:Framework for program integrationProgram planning matrix, by ageProject design and proposal writing guideTen-lesson curriculum and training guide (in 7
languages; adapted to multiple cultural contexts)FieldNotes offering lessons learned and best
practice
Planning for Life Lessons
1. Personal Values
2. Puberty
3. Reproduction
4. Teenage Pregnancy
5. Contraception
6. Sexually-Transmitted Infections
7. HIV/AIDS
8. Substance Abuse
9. Gender Roles & Stereotypes
10.Gender-Based and Sexual Violence
Planning for Life
Why integration? Helps youth make the
connection between responsible RH/FP behaviors and life goals.
Makes effort more sustainable by embedding it in institutions
Connects efforts to local community
Steps to Integration:
1. Identification of trainers
2. Training of Trainers
3. Community mapping & youth surveys
4. Translation and initial adaptation of lessons
5. Pilot testing with youth
6. Final adaptation of lessons
7. On-going integration into programming
Lesson #1Life skills are prime entry point for
integration• Youth should have basic life skills training
prior to RH/FP lessons• Skills related to self-awareness, respect,
decision-making, conflict resolution, and communications are a base for applying RH
• Prior rapport established with trainers and classmates helps make youth more comfortable talking about sensitive RH topics
Lesson #2Utilize non-health experts as trainers• Have life skills training experience• Builds buy-in/commitment and skills among
existing staff• More cost–effective to sustain and replicate• Requires awareness raising and training to
address sensitive topics• Supplement with outside experts/ service
providers for technical subjects
Lesson #3Involve Youth-Friendly Service
Providers• Identify and visit local service providers
(RH/FP, substance abuse, GBV counseling) to ensure they are youth-friendly
• Invite them to participate in trainings to provide technical input and increase youth comfort level
• Have a list of youth friendly providers to refer youth
Lesson #4Adapt Delivery and Content to Local
Context• Survey youth ahead of training to identify
knowledge gaps and cultural biases• Low literacy levels may require more role-plays
and active games• Consider segregating classes by gender for
some topics• Use an anonymous question box for risky topics• Be sure to address myths and misconceptions
Lesson #5Ensure Community Buy-In• Parents, community/religious leaders, service
providers, government, NGO staff, etc.• Critical for youth to have supportive
environment • Explain program in non-threatening way to
increase comfort level• Invite stakeholders to observe trainings• Find local ‘champions’ to support you,
especially if there is resistance