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