The South Africa YMCA Adolescent Reproductive Health Program: Through the Eyes of Young People

This report comprises an overview of the South Africa YMCA Adolescent Reproductive Health Program, as well as key evaluation findings, a detailed narrative of the evaluation methodology, the achievements and challenges, and future directions of the program. CEDPA provided support to the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of to implement adolescent reproductive health programs in Gauteng/North West, Kwa Zulu Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. This was the first national program to be implemented by the YMCA in post-apartheid South Africa.

The program’s objectives included:

• Increase access to RH information and services to in-school and out-of-school youth by training peer educators and volunteers to work with young people in school and the community;  
• Increase awareness and knowledge of young people through information, education and communication events and literature on healthy lifestyle choices, reproductive health issues, including facts on reproduction, the effective use of family planning methods, signs and symptoms of STDs, rape awareness, prevention of HIV, and sexual decision making;  
• Increase the awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity of parents and teachers to the needs of adolescents about self-esteem building, sexual decision making and reproductive health; and  
• Increase access to and availability of information and counseling services on ARH through the development or expansion of drop-in centers in schools and the community.

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Date Published: 1 January 2001

Document Type: Research Report

Issue: Education (including Non-formal), Family Planning & Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, Male Involvement, Youth

Languages: English

Country: South Africa

Purchase Method: Download