Empowering Youth: Navigating Challenges and Embracing a Hopeful Future

South Sudanese boys and girls in football gear standing in a line

Why do we engage youth?

The focus on youth should be the lens through which we look at the future. Half of the people on our planet are under the age of 30, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030. In Burundi, 60% of the population is under the age of 30; in Afghanistan, this grows to 63% and to 74% for the South Sudanese population. With this ever-increasing younger population, youth must be engaged to develop sustainable change for a healthier, peaceful and prosperous future, especially for people living in fragile and post-conflict settings.

Despite the increasing attention on youth, there are obstacles that demand attention. Lack of access to quality education, unequal opportunities, and limited resources can hinder the potential of many young individuals. Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status creates barriers that must be dismantled.

By involving young people in health awareness-raising, e.g., through youth corners within health facilities or through community-based youth educators who provide awareness-raising and referral services in women’s health spaces, we ensure that young people have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health and to promote healthy behaviour among their peers.

How do we engage youth?

1. Champions of Change in South Sudan

In South Sudan, we engage with youth to become Champions of Change within their communities. In collaboration with PLAN International, we improve knowledge, confidence and skills on sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, positive coping skills and gender equality. With this knowledge, primary and secondary school students are able to ‘champion change’ in their own lives, families and communities. In 2022, we supported 82 boys and girls to become Champions of Change in Terekeka, South Sudan.

South Sudanese HNTPO staff giving a training for the youth

School children take part in the Champions of Change initiative to improve their knowledge on health and gender equality in Terekeka, South Sudan.

2. Youth Health Line in Afghanistan

The Youth Health Line (YHL), established in 2012 in Kabul under funding and support from the UNFPA, is the only trusted source for access to health services for adolescents and young people nationwide. It provides free and anonymous counselling to adolescents and young people on concerns related to health, mental health, substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and other topics of concern. It also offers referrals for additional or specialist support within health facilities. Services are provided by 13 professional counsellors in two shifts, from 8 am to 8 pm, by both male and female staff and take into account privacy and confidentiality. In 2022, over 175,000 girls, boys and young adults received services from YHL.

The story of Palwasha

After calling the Youth Health Line, Palwasha*received guidance in family planning. At 28 and already with six children, she had felt the financial strains of providing for her large family and made the choice not to have any more children.

Palwasha was taken through the many contraception options available to her, from long-lasting reversible options, to barrier methods and permanent options. She was supported by having this honest discussion with her husband to find the most suitable choice for them both.

* Palwasha is not her real name.

3. Community Theatres in Burundi

In Burundi, community theatres promote health messages and behaviour change. Through art, young people are provided a platform to express themselves creatively. Between 2019 and 2022, through the Twiteho Amagara programme, 2,320 local agents of change, particularly youth, reached more than 118,000 people in communities to promote health messages related to sexual health and reproductive rights, gender equality and violence prevention.

4. Community Radio Strengthening in Colombia

Radio programmes contribute to strengthening and sensitising listeners and the community on issues related to mental health and gender-based violence. We have worked with local people to strengthen the indigenous and community radio ‘Waishanyá’ in Sibundoy, Putumayo, which amplifies the voices of young indigenous women. Additional workshops empower youth on the power of radio for use in peacebuilding, political participation and communication.

Empowering others through indigenous radio

Erika Jacanamejoy is a young indigenous woman from the Kamëntsá Biyá community. At 25, Erika is a moderator for the indigenous and community radio station ‘Waishanyá’ of Sibundoy, Putumayo. Erika uses radio to share the traditions and culture of her indigenous community, to empower other women with a sense of belonging to their culture and to participate in social processes.

Watch her story below:

Transforming challenges into opportunities

By cultivating their skills, fostering collaboration, and embracing diversity, youth everywhere can transform challenges into opportunities. The obstacles that stand in their way are stepping stones to growth, and with determination, they can pave the way to a future that is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with boundless potential.

Donate now to support our project for youth and provide youth with the best tools for a healthier, prosperous future.