Following the success of the joint Youth Friendly Corner session
between Rail Surgery and Prisons Clinic we felt that the noticeable
impact of Youth Participation and involvement presented a golden
opportunity to leave our mark on Choma!
The independent structure and self-contained structure of the YFC’s
were discussed and we came to the conclusion that the lack of
communication between these groups contributed to declining member
numbers and interest. Considering the benefits of YFCs we passionately
felt that it was our duty to do something about it and empower youths
with the realization that they have a voice.
Spending 2 months in Choma, we became aware that one of the biggest
hindrances for youth motivation had simply been “something to do”.
There are no recreational facilities, no decent hang-outs and no
entertainment – unless it’s sadly wrapped up in alcohol and drugs.
Volunteers got together and discussed this issue – How could we
motivate young people to listen and learn about the services available
to them? How could they become aware of the opportunities that may
arise from such services? And how could they realize that involvement
would be a positive investment for their future?
Our answer? We needed to provide exactly what they were being deprived
of - “something to do”.
Singing and dancing is massive in Africa on a whole and with some
insightful input from Rail Surgery’s YFC overseer Chuma, he suggested
that we package our uniting/information day into a fun event such as a
Talent Show.
PERFECT!!
The team got right to work, dedicating everyday to budgets,
mobilization, pitching and idea development. The event began to grow
into not only an awareness campaign for YFC’s in Choma but also
general awareness of all other youth/health organizations that needed
a boost and shout out! The team approached and pitched the idea to
directors of organizations such as Youth Vision, Mmabana, World Vision
and DATF, inviting guest speakers to break up the show with short,
snappy chunks of info that could be directly delivered to our mass
audience. Should the information be missed, we encouraged
participating organizations to set up an information desk outside the
venue so young people could enquire further.
The day was a bustling success!! Music, cheers and laughter put fire
into the bellies of us volunteers! Information was delivered both
verbally and in a written format amongst the joys and excitement of an
event that gave Choma youths what they were missing – “Something to
do”. Of course there is always room for improvement but for a 1st time
event…we deserve a good old pat on the back!
WELL DONE TEAM 40!!!
Our Achievements on the day
- 280-300 young people in our audience
- 12 talented youths/groups performed and showed their skills
- 30 people (both male and female) were tested for HIV in a VCT area
set up outside the venue, thankfully all were negative!
- 30 males visited and discussed the option of male circumcision in a
sexual health tent also set up outside the venue.
- 7 youth/health organizations had their shout out and told our youths
what they had to offer in Choma.
- 300 leaflets regarding the YFC’s, what they are and where they are
located were distributed.
- Approximately 300 leaflets highlighting specific YFC’s with
dates/times were also distributed.
NOT BAD EH!?
By Amy Hill
between Rail Surgery and Prisons Clinic we felt that the noticeable
impact of Youth Participation and involvement presented a golden
opportunity to leave our mark on Choma!
The independent structure and self-contained structure of the YFC’s
were discussed and we came to the conclusion that the lack of
communication between these groups contributed to declining member
numbers and interest. Considering the benefits of YFCs we passionately
felt that it was our duty to do something about it and empower youths
with the realization that they have a voice.
Spending 2 months in Choma, we became aware that one of the biggest
hindrances for youth motivation had simply been “something to do”.
There are no recreational facilities, no decent hang-outs and no
entertainment – unless it’s sadly wrapped up in alcohol and drugs.
Volunteers got together and discussed this issue – How could we
motivate young people to listen and learn about the services available
to them? How could they become aware of the opportunities that may
arise from such services? And how could they realize that involvement
would be a positive investment for their future?
Our answer? We needed to provide exactly what they were being deprived
of - “something to do”.
Singing and dancing is massive in Africa on a whole and with some
insightful input from Rail Surgery’s YFC overseer Chuma, he suggested
that we package our uniting/information day into a fun event such as a
Talent Show.
PERFECT!!
The team got right to work, dedicating everyday to budgets,
mobilization, pitching and idea development. The event began to grow
into not only an awareness campaign for YFC’s in Choma but also
general awareness of all other youth/health organizations that needed
a boost and shout out! The team approached and pitched the idea to
directors of organizations such as Youth Vision, Mmabana, World Vision
and DATF, inviting guest speakers to break up the show with short,
snappy chunks of info that could be directly delivered to our mass
audience. Should the information be missed, we encouraged
participating organizations to set up an information desk outside the
venue so young people could enquire further.
The day was a bustling success!! Music, cheers and laughter put fire
into the bellies of us volunteers! Information was delivered both
verbally and in a written format amongst the joys and excitement of an
event that gave Choma youths what they were missing – “Something to
do”. Of course there is always room for improvement but for a 1st time
event…we deserve a good old pat on the back!
WELL DONE TEAM 40!!!
Our Achievements on the day
- 280-300 young people in our audience
- 12 talented youths/groups performed and showed their skills
- 30 people (both male and female) were tested for HIV in a VCT area
set up outside the venue, thankfully all were negative!
- 30 males visited and discussed the option of male circumcision in a
sexual health tent also set up outside the venue.
- 7 youth/health organizations had their shout out and told our youths
what they had to offer in Choma.
- 300 leaflets regarding the YFC’s, what they are and where they are
located were distributed.
- Approximately 300 leaflets highlighting specific YFC’s with
dates/times were also distributed.
NOT BAD EH!?
By Amy Hill
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