We are deeply honored to have received an Award of Appreciation at the Safe Motherhood Pre-Youth Conference in recognition of our contribution to Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services (AYFHS). This moment is not just about the award,it’s a celebration of three decades of empowering young people, nurturing their health, and strengthening their voices in matters that shape their future.

A Journey of Dedication and Impact

For over 30 years, Naguru Teenage Centre (NTC) has remained a safe space where young people can access the care, guidance, and information they need to live healthy and purposeful lives. Our story began with a simple yet powerful mission: to bridge the gap between young people and accessible, respectful, and non-judgmental health services.

From humble beginnings, NTC has grown into a model center for adolescent and youth health services in Uganda. Our team has reached thousands of teenagers and young adults with education on sexual and reproductive health, life skills, and mental wellness, while also providing essential medical support and counseling.

The Significance of the Award

Receiving this award at the Safe Motherhood Pre-Youth Conference is both humbling and motivating. It symbolizes recognition not only of our organization’s work, but of the resilience, courage, and potential of young people themselves.

This honor reminds us that every counseling session, every community outreach, and every young life positively influenced adds up to something greater a movement for healthier, more empowered generations. It is also a powerful affirmation that youth-centered health services are essential to achieving safe motherhood and sustainable communities.

Empowering the Next Generation

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that when young people are informed and supported, they make better choices for themselves, their families, and their communities. Whether it’s through youth clubs, school outreach programs, or peer mentorship initiatives, we’ve seen firsthand how information can transform lives.

Take, for instance, our community outreach programs where peer educators,young people trained by the Centre,engage others in open discussions about sexual health, gender equality, and self-care. These conversations have helped reduce stigma, increase awareness, and inspire confidence among youth to seek the care they deserve.

A Shared Responsibility

Promoting safe motherhood and youth-friendly services isn’t a task for one organization alone,it’s a shared responsibility. Parents, educators, health workers, policymakers, and young people themselves all have a role to play. Collaboration across these groups has allowed us to design programs that truly reflect the needs and realities of adolescents in Uganda.

The Pre-Youth Conference served as a timely reminder that empowering youth goes beyond providing information; it’s about creating environments of trust and inclusion where young people feel heard and valued. The conference brought together passionate individuals and organizations working toward a common goal thereby improving the health and wellbeing of Uganda’s next generation.

Looking Ahead: Building on 30 Years of Progress

As we mark #NTCAt30, we take pride in the milestones we’ve achieved, but we also recognize that there is still work to be done. The world young people are growing up in today is fast changing shaped by digital technology, shifting social norms, and evolving health challenges.

Moving forward, we remain committed to innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in how we deliver youth services. We will continue investing in research, capacity building, and digital tools that make health information more accessible to all.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This award belongs not just to us, but to every young person, partner, volunteer, and supporter who has walked this journey with us. Your trust and participation have made all the difference. Together, we’ve proven that empowering youth is not just an investment in the future,it’s a celebration of the present.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we celebrate this recognition, we invite you to keep engaging, learning, and advocating for adolescent and youth-friendly health services. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, policymaker, or young person yourself, your voice and actions matter.

Let’s continue working together to build a generation that is informed, confident, and healthy,because when young people thrive, entire communities rise.