WHARC YOUTH PROGRAMS

WHARC Strategy Plan for Young Adult and Adolescent Reproductive Health in Edo State

In 2004, the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) developed a five-year strategic plan to improve the sexual and reproductive health of young adults and adolescents (YAARH) in Edo State and address the peculiar YAARH problems in the state.

The specific objectives of the strategic plan are:

  1. To improve youth-parent, youth-teacher and peer-to-peer communication of adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues in the state.
  2. To increase the availability and accessibility of youths to quality RH services in the state.
  3. To improve youth participation and involvement in YAARH programmes.
  4. To improve political commitment and community support for the implementation of young adults and adolescents reproductive health programmes and policies.
  5. To reduce socio-cultural and traditional barriers to YAARH.
  6. To improve the socio-economic status of young adults and adolescents in Edo State.
  7. To build the capacity of young adults and adolescents in dealing with various challenges in sexual and reproductive health.
  8. To improve the capacity of reproductive health personnel to provide youth-friendly RH services.
  9. To mobilize and maximize human and financial resources for YAARH programmes and activities.
  10. To establish mechanisms and systems for monitoring and evaluation of RH programmes.

To achieve the objectives of the strategic plan, the following strategies were identified as key approaches that will assist in modifying contributing factors to the poor reproductive health profile of young adults and adolescents in Edo State. These approaches include:

  1. Education and counselling.
  2. Improving access to quality youth-friendly services.
  3. Youth involvement and participation
  4. Social mobilization and advocacy
  5. Capacity building and skills development
  6. Monitoring and evaluation
  7. Research
  8. Resource mobilization

Over the years, these strategies have promoted good health and improved the quality of life among youths in the state. 

https://www.wharconline.org/wp-content/uploads/WHARC-Operational-Documents/WHARC%20Strategic%20youth%20plan%20for%20edo%20state.pdf

 

Research

As part of WHARC’s commitment to supporting young adult and adolescent groups, WHARC has conducted several studies to delve deeper into the challenges faced by young adults and adolescents, focusing on out-of-school girls. One study examined the perceptions of livelihood circumstances of out-of-school girls in Edo State, Nigeria, while another phenomenological study explored the socio-economic and gender-specific circumstances influencing their lives in Edo State.

WHARC Youth Forum

The WHARC Youth Forum is a platform dedicated to empowering young people through activities that foster personal growth, health education, and career development. Designed to be interactive and empowering, the forum addresses the unique needs of the youth, equipping them with essential tools for navigating life’s challenges.

Over the years, WHARC has organized training sessions focused on educating youth on key areas such as sexual and reproductive health, career counselling, healthy lifestyle choices, and essential life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and managing peer pressure. These sessions have been instrumental in equipping young individuals with the tools they need to navigate life confidently and responsibly.

Recently, the WHARC Youth Forum organized an advocacy workshop to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and educate youth on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Edo State. This workshop aimed to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to combat gender-based violence (GBV) within their communities.

Through these efforts, the WHARC Youth Forum continues to educate and empower young people, fostering their growth as agents of change in their communities.

WHARC Youth Empowerment Schemes

WHARC initiated an intervention to empower out-of-school girls in Edo State helping them either return to formal education or acquire vocational skills. Through this initiative, WHARC offers full sponsorship tailored to each girl’s preferences, ensuring they have the support necessary to build a brighter future.