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Empowering Youth Through Health Advocacy

My name is Semanda Anthony, and I am 26 years old. In 2022, I got to know about CEHURD, where I learned about the right to health and advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Initially, I was unaware of my health rights, but CEHURD clarified this by explaining the process of health service delivery using the triple AAA framework.

Before joining CEHURD, I lacked knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights, relevant laws, referral pathways, and advocacy for young people’s SRHR. CEHURD has empowered me by enhancing my skills as a peer educator, allowing me to confidently share information with my peers.

I conduct training sessions for young people in various suburbs of Kampala, such as Namuwongo and Mbuya. I teach life skills, including how to be assertive, how to create healthy social and sexual relationships, and the use of different contraceptive options. Additionally, I have provided survival skills through joint savings initiatives.

I proudly advocate for condom use, educating young people on proper usage and disposal. Bravery, a value instilled in me by CEHURD, is something I hold dear. Currently, I serve as the youth chairman in my village of Nsambya, where I raise young people’s issues with relevant stakeholders.

Thanks to CEHURD’s support, I have taken on leadership roles, including my position as a coach with TACKLE Africa, where I share SRHR information with young people through football.

I am grateful to CEHURD for creating opportunities that have enhanced my social capital and positively influenced my career path. I am now working as a peer educator and football coach.

Lastly, I urge all stakeholders to empower boys as much as girls, ensuring that initiatives aimed at the girl child are equally extended to the boy child.