Young people face numerous challenges today, including teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and limited life skills. Too often, these issues are met with stigma, neglect, and silence, which only exacerbate the problems and prevent adolescents from reaching their full potential. At Sseke Secondary School in Lwengo, we demonstrated a different approach: empowerment and action.
Filling the SRHR Mentorship Gap
Recognizing the gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) mentorship, our team conducted targeted interventions to provide guidance, support, and practical knowledge. Mentorship sessions addressed critical topics such as responsible decision-making, reproductive health, peer pressure, and building life skills, ensuring that young people are equipped to make informed choices about their health, education, and futures.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
By engaging students in interactive sessions, discussions, and practical exercises, we transformed potential vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth. Teenage pregnancy and drug abuse are not just statistics—they are issues that impact real lives, dreams, and communities. Addressing these challenges through education, mentorship, and support empowers young people to navigate risks, build resilience, and pursue their aspirations confidently.
Promoting a Culture of Support
The outreach emphasized that tackling youth challenges requires a community-centered approach, where students, educators, parents, and mentors work together. By fostering open dialogue and understanding, we challenge harmful norms, break the cycle of stigma, and encourage young people to seek help, share concerns, and support one another.
Life Skills for a Brighter Future
Beyond health education, our mentorship sessions equipped students with practical life skills, including goal-setting, communication, and problem-solving. These skills not only help young people avoid risky behaviors but also prepare them for leadership, career opportunities, and active participation in their communities.
Moving Forward
The experience at Sseke SS proves that empowerment and proactive engagement can replace neglect and silence. By investing in mentorship, SRHR education, and life skills development, we can help young people overcome challenges, achieve their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society.
At the end of the day, it’s a reminder that when communities meet challenges with action rather than judgment, young people thrive, and a brighter, safer, and healthier future is possible for all.https://x.com/NaguruC/status/1971238173628850244
