Sexual Reproductive Health Projects Case study from Malawi Girl Guide Association (MAGGA)

1. Sexual Reproductive Health Projects Case study from Malawi Girl Guide Association (MAGGA) Presented byLexa Kaipa

2. MAGGA - WHO ARE WE? • Member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts • A voluntary, non-political, non-religious and self-governing organization for girls and young women • More than 15,000 members

3. Programmes • One of the main programmes run by MAGGA is Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/ADS awareness amongst Girl Guides • It is funded by UNFPA, Banca Intesa and National AIDS Commission (NAC) • The programme complements the government effort to address issues affecting young people in Malawi: • Unsafe sexual practices • Early onset of sex among young people • Low self esteem among girls and young women 3

4. Girl Guiding Strategies SOCIAL MOBILISATION • MAGGA approaches the community through social mobilization meetings • DURING THIS MEETING: • Community leaders and parents are sensitized about the project • Issues affecting young people are identified • Strategies are suggested • Community and youth committees are elected • Community based peer educators are selected • Women volunteer to become Guide Leaders

5. Social mobilization meeting with community leaders and parents

6. Girl Guiding Strategies conti’ PEER EDUCATION TRAINING • ONCE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS PEER EDUCATORS, MAGGA CONDUCTS VARIOUS TRAININGS TO BUILD THEIR CAPACITY. • SUCH TRAININGS INCLUDE: • Peer Education Training , Interactive drama, Child abuse and gender, HIV and AIDS, Nutritional needs and life skills, Sexuality, Preventing pregnancy • Peer education is the main strategy that MAGGA uses • Young women trained in peer education are expected to conduct weekly sessions • These peer educators also have their monthly review meetings

7. Girl Guiding Strategies conti’ OTHER TRAININGS • SELF DEFENSE SKILLS • Due to high incidences of child abuse especially sexual abuse of the girl child, MAGGA is training girls and young women in self-defense skills.

8. Self Defense Training

9. Girl Guiding Strategies conti’ YOUTH CONGRESS • Such congresses brings together girls and young women from different intervention areas for them to share ideas and best practices. • The congress builds their capacity in life skills and promotes positive living for those infected with HIV. • Role modeling by young female achievers is also done.

10. Youth Congress

11. VOCATIONAL SKILLS TRAININGS • Given the high levels of poverty in Malawi and the high levels of unemployment, MAGGA offers vocational/entrepreneurship skills training. • Vocational skills trainings currently being offered by the Association include: tailoring, carpentry and joinery and tinsmith

12. PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT TRAININGS • MAGGA offers community-based Psychosocial Support trainings • Such trainings empower orphans and vulnerable girls with necessary psychosocial life skills

13. CHALLENGES • Some parents and boys in the communities discourage girls from participating • Most parents dislike the idea of teaching girls about condom use and use of other contraceptives • Lack of commitment by some Peer Educators affects the implementation of activities

14. SOLUTIONS • Girls are given the information according to age group • Parents and community leaders are sensitized on the benefits of providing girls with adequate and accurate information on SRH • Community leaders are involved in project activities • Community Youth Committees are established in all the project sites • New peer educators are constantly trained on relevant issues • Peer educators receive incentives, like bicycles and t-shirts • Guiders and parents are involved in the supervision and monitoring of girls activities to ensure sustainability