The first Youth Friendly Space (YFS) at Simonga will require the renovation and expansion of a container, where teens and young adults can meet to talk about pressing issues around sexual and reproductive health and positive hygiene practices. The users will have access to a computer for school work and other administrative tasks, as well as a safe space to learn through play and discussion. We intend for the YFS at Simonga to be a centre of excellence and a pilot for future YFS in Zambia.
In Zambia, more than 70% of the population is under 30 and is classified as youths (FHI360, 2022). Despite being such a large portion of the population, youths are often unaccounted for and thus lack spaces to learn, educate each other and discuss important topics amongst themselves. According to the Zambian Govt, national health standards mandate that each health facility have a space which is youth friendly; however, more often than not, this has been displaced by other facility priorities.
By constructing a Youth Friendly Space in Simonga, we plan on this being the Centre of Excellence for YFS and enable the youth of Simonga to have a designated space, close to, but not in, the Rural Health Post. This space will be a safe and informative space to discuss key health issues, ask questions and have support from peers. Often youths do not access health services due to stigma and a youth friendly space addresses these issues as well as being a relaxed environment for youths.
We hope to see a more engaged youth in the Simonga area. With better access to health education on sexual reproductive health and good hygiene practices, we hope to see a reduction in STIs, unwanted pregnancies and early marriage. We hope to see an increase in the youth supporting and encouraging each other to stay in school and be healthy. This impact will be heightened with the support from the District Health Office, traditional leaders, community structures and the health facility.
