YOUTH-FRIENDLY CORNERS BOOST ACCESS TO SRHR SERVICES IN ARUA DISTRICT

Some of the beneficiaries of iKitty Life trainings on SRHR participating in a matching. Photo by Sabir Musa.

By Sabir Musa

Arua

A non-governmental organization in Arua district, iKitty Life, is seeing improved access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services among youth, following training sessions and dialogues.

These activities are organized under the "Advocacy for Last Mile Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Services for Adolescents and Young People" project, funded by Amplify Change.

iKitty Life Project Officer, Janet Atizuyo, states that the establishment of youth-friendly corners has enabled many young people to express themselves freely and seek health services.

“The youth no longer fear going to health centers. Previously, they were intimidated, especially when they saw older people at the facilities. But now, young people feel more comfortable accessing SRHR services in these youth-friendly corners. We have collected testimonies showing that when they hear others’ stories, they feel encouraged to access services, which has made it easier for them to get help,” Janet explained.

These training sessions and dialogues targeted different categories of people within the community, with a focus on improving access to health services and advocating for more youth-friendly corners.

A Youth Champion in Adravu West Village, Vurra Sub County, Viola Avakoru, says that they are now able to discuss menstrual hygiene openly with fellow youths and community members.

“They also trained us on how to talk about menstrual hygiene. If you’re too shy to discuss it with your parents, you can go to the health center or speak with a peer who understands the issue. As a Champion, I tell them that we are available to help if they feel uncomfortable talking about it with their parents or friends,” she shared.

Similarly, a parent from Ofa A Village, Mariata Illiru, who benefited from one of the trainings, now helps in sensitizing youth in the village about preventive measures against HIV, teenage pregnancy, and child marriage. She says the training has equipped her with more knowledge, which she now uses to guide the young people in her community.

The "Advocacy for Last Mile Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Services for Adolescents and Young People" project also aims to engage youth, duty-bearers, and the wider community to advocate for improved access to SRHR services in Arua District.

Written by admin