In our ongoing efforts to strengthen adolescent and youth health systems, Samasha, in collaboration with district leadership, conducted orientation trainings for health workers and youth focal persons in Luweero and Kole Districts.
On 8th April in Luweero and 10th June in Kole, 20 health workers (10 per district) from five high-burden sub-counties were trained on delivering adolescent- and youth-friendly health services (AYFS). The training aimed to increase their awareness of the unique health needs of young people, as well as the barriers and facilitators to youth-friendly service delivery. Sessions focused on improving provider attitudes, confidentiality, and responsiveness to issues like stigma, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
Concurrently, on 9th April in Luweero and 10th June in Kole, Samasha facilitated orientation trainings for youth focal persons. These sessions strengthened their capacity to participate in district-level planning, engage in community mobilization, and advocate for adolescent health priorities. Youth leaders gained practical skills to support health facility activities and champion access to services for their peers.
“Most young people don’t know that youth corners are there for them. After this training, I feel more confident encouraging my friends to go—because they’ll find a safe space, someone who listens, and the help they need without being judged,” shared a youth focal person from Kole."
While the trainings enhanced knowledge and engagement, key challenges were noted:
- Low turnout at youth corners due to limited mobilization.
- Inadequate dedicated spaces within health facilities for youth corners
These findings underscore the need for continued investment in youth-responsive service delivery infrastructure and ongoing mentorship of health teams and youth leaders.
Samasha remains committed to building inclusive, community-driven health systems that prioritize adolescents and youth as central stakeholders in achieving health for all.