Today, the Naguru Teenage Centre (NTC) successfully conducted the Spotlight Initiative inception meeting in Gulu District, held at the District Headquarters and the office of the District Community Development Officer (DCDO). With authorization facilitated through the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), NTC received the green light to proceed with activity implementation, while the submitted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) continues to undergo formal approval.
The inception meeting marks a significant step in rolling out the Spotlight Initiative, a program designed to strengthen adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services and enhance social accountability mechanisms. Through this initiative, NTC aims to empower young people to actively engage in decision-making processes that affect their health, rights, and access to services.
During the meeting, key district officials, including the DCDO, CAO representatives, and local stakeholders, discussed implementation strategies, operational planning, and timelines. They reviewed NTC’s proposed activities and provided guidance on aligning the initiative with district priorities, community needs, and national SRHR frameworks. This collaborative approach ensures that the Spotlight Initiative interventions are relevant, effective, and responsive to the specific challenges faced by adolescents in Gulu.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of partnerships, coordination, and accountability. By engaging district leadership and leveraging existing governance structures, NTC ensures that program activities are supported, monitored, and integrated into broader community development efforts. These measures are critical to achieving sustainable impact and creating an environment where young people can voice concerns, influence policies, and access quality health services.
Approval of the MOU, while ongoing, does not hinder the momentum of the initiative. With the CAO’s permission, NTC is now able to begin implementing planned activities, setting the stage for community engagement, training, and awareness campaigns in targeted areas. These early interventions will lay the foundation for strengthened social accountability, youth empowerment, and improved access to sexual and reproductive health services.
The successful inception meeting in Gulu underscores NTC’s commitment to collaborative planning, transparent implementation, and community-focused interventions. By working hand-in-hand with district officials and stakeholders, the Spotlight Initiative is poised to make meaningful progress in enhancing adolescent health, protecting rights, and fostering community-driven solutions.
