Championing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Zambia
Elsewhere in Southern Province, teacher Jaqueline Mbaulo has taken the approach of setting up a youth friendly space in her school, and so directly reaches adolescents where they are.
Jaqueline attended a SHARP organised community dialogue in February 2024, where some of the students from the school asked many pertinent questions about adolescent SRH. This made her realise that there was a gap and a need that could be filled. After talking to the administration of the Christian school where she works, the go-ahead for a youth friendly space was given.
“I am passionate about seeing adolescents become responsible, informed and hold high self-esteem. Adolescents should be guided with care and love without condemning them. I am looking forward to having many adolescents join the team and having materials to help the programme grow and reach many more in our communities." - Jaqueline Mbaulo
Youth-friendly spaces are essential to increasing demand and use of family planning commodities by providing accessible, age appropriate, up to date and accurate information to adolescents in an environment that makes them feel safe and comfortable.
Champions, like Pastor Joyce, Funny and Jaqueline, are linchpins in the success of the SHARP project. With training and support from SHARP, their contributions make a real difference to the lives of adolescents in their communities. Coupled with the wider research and advocacy being carried out by the SHARP project, we can ensure the greatest sustainable impact for happier, healthier futures for adolescents not only in Zambia, but across Africa’s Great Lakes Region.