SAY
Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Empowerment and Rights project
The Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Empowerment and Rights Project is a four-year initiative implemented by Naguru Teenage Centre (NTC) with funding from the Royal Danish Embassy through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Running from January 2024 to December 2027, the project is being implemented in the districts of Adjumani, Moyo, Obongi, Kitgum, and Lamwo, targeting both refugee settlements and host communities in the West Nile and Acholi sub-regions. SAY is aligned with the Danish Country Strategic Framework for Uganda (2023–2027) and responds to the growing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) needs of adolescents and young people aged 10–24 years. Through a three-pronged, evidence-based approach—creating demand, strengthening service delivery, and fostering an enabling environment—the project empowers young people to access youth-responsive SRHR/SGBV information and services while supporting communities and districts to uphold young people’s rights.
The project has recorded significant results through peer-led education, facility-based life skills sessions, community social and behavior change communication activities, digital health platforms, and advocacy engagements. A total of 157,925 young people accessed SRHR/GBV services across supported districts, while functional youth clubs reached over 2,100 adolescents with life skills and rights-based information. Flash mobs, interface meetings, mentorship sessions, and capacity building for health workers and peer educators have strengthened service uptake, accountability, and data use. Additionally, health facilities were supported with disability-responsive (ADH) materials to ensure inclusive service delivery. Through continuous monitoring and supportive supervision, SAY continues to bring essential SRHR/SGBV services closer to young people, contributing to improved health outcomes, protection, and empowerment for both refugee and host community adolescents and youth.
