Download - One Size Doesn't Fit All_Venza_5.1.12
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