By Komba Fillie
Amref Health Africa and Y-ACT in partnership with Youth Partnership for Peace and Development on Wednesday 5th June 2024 launched their project title: “Empowering Youth Advocacy for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sierra Leone”. The Launching was held at the Atlantic Hotel Lumley Beach in Freetown.
Launching the project, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon Mohamed Oman Bangura underscored the importance of the project in this age of technology. The Minister gave a brief background of his ministry, contribution made towards youth’s empowerment and what the future holds for the youth of Sierra Leone.
He admonished the gathering about government commitment in ensuring that youth have the require support in terms of making decisions and leading in other developmental issues.
He advised Amref to understand the role played by youths in achieving sustainable development goals in the country.
He lauded the good work of YPPD with special reference to the Kolhat barray project which was held in Bo.
Giving an overview of the project, the Director of Amref West Africa, Youth in Action Mrs. Bitania Lulu said the initiative is to improve health and well-being of communities across Africa.
She said regional Youth in Action (Y-ACT) program focuses on fostering youth leadership and engagement in health-related matters.
She said the project aim to empower young Sierra Leoneans with the tools, knowledge, and platforms necessary to effectively advocate for their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
“This project seeks to create an environment where youth can collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders to drive sustainable change in reducing teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and FGM, while increasing access to adequate SRHR information and services,” she said.
She said the goal is to harness the power of Sierra Leone’s youth to advance their SRHR agenda through informed advocacy and meaningful youth engagement. She called for interventions that equip youth with comprehensive SRHR knowledge, advocacy skills, and policy engagement techniques to cultivate a generation of well-informed advocates who can effectively articulate their needs and assert their rights.
Other speakers who made contributions include Theresa Masuba, Gender and SRHR officer, and Director of Armref West Africa Hub. A Panel discussion and a cultural performance on the importance of SRHR climaxed the occasion.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, June 10th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
