News
The conversations between the WCC and selected young people ages 18-30 years old, are being conducted on a regional basis, starting with eastern Africa, then southern and western Africa in English, and central and western Africa in French. There will be conversations covering other regions as well.
Topics include access, fear of stigma, and attitudes of health workers, educators, and people of faith towards young people.
The WCC has been asking young people where they obtain their information about sexual and reproductive health, and about preventing transmission of HIV. Crucial are the questions: “What are the perceptions of young people about the role of faith communities working toward the prevention of HIV?” and “Do young people feel faith communities are safe spaces?”
In a recent listening session, young people spoke of teen pregnancies, religious views on birth control, child marriage, and lack of youth-friendly services as major challenges.
One participant said: “Young people are unable to openly talk about issues they may be facing in regards to their health.”
Another said: “Thank you for creating this safe space for young people to share their thoughts.”
The insights provided by young people will guide WCC for a better programing with young people and not for young people.
