EU/UNFPA Initiative for Reproductive Health (RHI) in Nepal

1. EU/UNFPA Initiative for Reproductive Health (RHI) in Nepal “Experiences with Youth Friendly Centers under the EU/UNFPA RHI Project in Nepal and innovative experiences with “Jigyasa” newsletter for adolescents”

2. GOAL To contribute to improved RH status of women, men and adolescents in under-served areas in Nepal. PURPOSE To have improved RH practices and behavior among the target population and have reduced unmet RH needs.

3. One of five outputs of RHI Nepal: Improved availability to appropriate RH services and information for AYs and enhanced awareness among AYs on SRH issues • Through the following approaches: • Creating an enabling environment • Involvement of AY in all stages of the project cycle • Evaluation of needs and gaps • IEC material development • Strengthening linkages and networking • Peer education (In/out of school) • School health programme • AY friendly services delivery • Edutainment activities

4. Youth Information Center: Experiences of Family Planning Association Nepal

5. Youth Information Center:FPAN Experiences Background: • Little knowledge on RH and sexuality among young people • Lack of outlets for providing information and services RH and sexuality • FPAN outlets, known as FP clinics, not attracted to young people • FPAN service outlets meant only for marred couples • Community (parents/guardians, teachers and community leaders) people not supportive/positive towards RH and sexuality education to young people

6. Target Groups • 10-14 and 15-19 (adolescents) • 20-24 (youth) • In-school • Out-of-school students scattered far and wide

7. Model Strategy • In view of above background, FPAN adopted a model strategy for reaching the out-of school young people in the country. • Youth Information Centers have been established by FPAN at various locations. • Three compartments in YIC: • Library • Training hall • Service

8. Major Activities Information and Education • Reading materials • ASRH games • Letters of correspondence puppet shows • Song /debate competition • Film shows • Street dramas

9. Orientation and Training • Training/orientation on ASRH among peers • Training for peer educators • Focus group discussion • Monthly meeting • Quiz, art competition, debate, talk programs • Community sensitization programs

10. Services • Counseling services on ASRH issues • Supply of condoms and pills • Referral for STI/RTI

11. Lessons Learnt • Supportive environment created. Community people started supporting the programs for young people • Separate strategy is required for both married and unmarried young people, definition of young people should be clear enough • Low utilization of available services • Youth friendly elements are not complete • Mobilization of young people specially through peers

12. Lessons Learnt contd….. • YIC model has been proved to be effective to spread knowledge on SRH issues. • Easy way out for mobilization of young people at community level • Number of YIC is not enough according to the requirement of young people in the district • Life skills programs needs to be introduced for young people • Youth friendly services being provided through YIC needs to be strengthened further

13. Vision for Future • YIC to be managed by young people as volunteers • Local CBOs be empowered to trained and oriented for the management and operation of YIC • Ownership and sense of belongingness to be built among local CBOs for implementing programs through YIC • Resources and community participation needs to be developed through active participation of young people

14. EU/UNFPA RHI Project in Nepal &Innovative experiences with Jigyasa “curiosity” newsletter for adolescents

15. Development and distribution of Jigyasa • Social research • Development of Jigyasa” (“Curiosity”) by a team of experts & adolescents • Contents : mixture • Production of 5 issues within 26 months (15,000/issue) • Distribution through partner NGOs

16. Social Research

17. Social Research

18. Content areas of 5 issues: • The first issue focused on mental and physical changes during adolescence, was published in September 2000 • Second issue focused on TDs/HIV/AIDS • Third issue focused on goal setting and how to deal with peer pressure • Fourth issue concentrated on managing sexual feelings, contraceptives and family planning and other reproductive health topics • The fifth issue was published in December 2002 and focused on health of pregnant women and how vaccination prevents diseases.

19. First Issue Focus on mental and physical changes during adolescence Published in September 2000

20. Second Issue Focuses on STDs/HIV/AIDS

21. Third Issue Focused on Goal setting and how to deal with peer pressure

22. Fourth Issue Concentrates on Managing sexual feelings, contraceptives Family planning and other reproductive health topics

23. Fifth Issue Focused on Health of pregnant women and how vaccination prevents diseases. Published in December 2002

24. Evaluation of appropriateness and use of newsletter • Design well liked • Content appropriate • Utilized by AYs, PEs & service providers • Limited distribution • Behavior changes could not measured • Willingness to pay • Continuity

25. Thank You