The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is implementing a regional project “Leave No One Behind: Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy” aimed at addressing adolescent pregnancy through education and empowerment of young people. In the framework of the project, the training programme, “Participation and Empowerment of Adolescents and Young People of African Descent, Creole, and Garifuna” which took place over the course of January and February 2024, had participation from two cohorts of dynamic young persons and youth activists using both synchronous and asynchronous training modalities.
Guided by a curriculum developed specifically for the training programme, the sessions covered thematic areas such as youth identity, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, human rights, intersectionality, gender-based violence, citizen participation, leadership and traits required for effective participatory planning and implementation. The primary objective was to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to replicate the training within their respective communities.
Following the completion of the training, a one day workshop was convened on June 15 where participants were tasked to synthesize the knowledge they had received from the previous training sessions while reflecting on the realities in their communities where cultural and social dynamics can impact the receiving of information. To support this, they worked in groups divided by districts to create their district-specific action plans tailored to their communities in an effort to cascade the training program to other young people who could benefit from the knowledge.
Rafael Martinez, President of the National Garifuna Council (Belize City) stated, “With knowledge comes empowerment, and through empowerment, we can reach a higher level in terms of economic, social and educational benefits. Knowledge is power.”
Sherett Brackett, Founder and Executive Director of The Keepers Project stated, “Because young people are not empowered, they don’t know about their rights, they don’t know about their sexual and Participation and Empowerment of Adolescents and Young People of African Descent, Creole, and Garifuna Certified Trainers reproductive health. I believe that by imparting the knowledge to them, they will better understand and know how to deal with situations.”
During the session, participants presented their district and community action plans and were provided with feedback on how to strengthen it for greater impact. The workshop concluded with a certification ceremony recognizing successful participants’ commitment to driving positive change within their communities. 150 youths and youth activists will benefit from cascading the training program scheduled to take place from July to August 2024 across the three target districts of the project.
