COFO launches In Real Life Project to promote SRH policy among youth

Malawi-Community Forum (COFO), a non-governmental organization based in Chikwawa, has launched a new project called the In Real Life Project, aimed at disseminating information on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) policy and practice among young people, writes Comfort Bulangete.

The project was launched during a stakeholder meeting on March 2, 2023, at the COFO head offices in Chikwawa.

Joshua Malunga, the Chief Executive Officer for Community Forum, stated that the organization had received funding from Sharenet Netherlands International to ensure that young journalists below the age of 30 have an in-depth understanding of Sexual Reproductive Health Policy.

The project aims to improve duty bearer awareness and access to SRH information and services among youth groups, provide youth-centred, non-discriminatory services, and improve knowledge and behaviours among young people and adolescents on sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Malunga stated that the project aims to enhance coordination and collaboration among SRH Key partners and service delivery.

"We are examining a number of issues, including the lack of access to information about SRH policy among young people and their rights to sexual and reproductive health. Meetings with relevant parties and youth organisations from all over Chikwawa will be held as part of the project's implementation, and we'll plan events for creative arts like songs about SRH policy as well as stories and articles. Since we have observed that young journalists are unaware of the SRH policy, we will also train young journalists from all Chikwawa media outlets. In order for them to spread only factual information, we want to strengthen their reporting abilities on SRH policy and give them more information about it,” Malunga said.

Naison Sekani, Safe Motherhood Coordinator for Chikwawa, stated that the project would assist youths in the district to have more knowledge on SRH, preventing early pregnancies as well as reducing complications related to pregnancies.

He asked for good collaboration and utilization of the project among youths.

Macnell Shire, Chikwawa District Youth Officer, was delighted with the project, stating that it would assist youths in having in-depth knowledge and knowing where to report on such issues.

This would, in turn, improve their ability to make formal decisions after having accurate information and good coordination with health services.

The K11 million project will begin by training young journalists and different youth groups in the district before producing different programs preaching about Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) policy around the Chikwawa district.

The In Real Life Project has the potential to make a significant impact on the youth in Chikwawa, providing them with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.