1. INTRODUCTION

Save Youth Dream Foundation (SYDF) is a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering young people through four key pillars: Health, Education, Skills & Culture, and Governance. Among these, health stands out as a broad and crucial area because it forms the foundation upon which youth can build a successful future. We firmly believe that a young person’s physical and mental health is their most valuable asset essential not only for individual well-being but also for realizing their dreams and contributing positively to society. Without robust health, the capacity to learn, work, and nurture meaningful relationships is significantly compromised.

Within the health pillar, sexual and reproductive health is of paramount importance. Many young people enter relationships without adequate knowledge about how to protect themselves, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and psychological distress. Recognizing these challenges, SYDF initiated a comprehensive education project at Kipawa VETA aimed at equipping students with essential information on reproductive health, their rights, and the risks associated with uninformed practices. On January 30, 2025, our three-member team Dr. Gloria (CEO), Theresia (Administrator Officer), and Winnie Kaaya (Operations Manager) arrived at Kipawa VETA. We were warmly received by Mr. Kahoza, the Head of Student Registration, who ensured that all 50 scheduled students (level one and some of level 3) the rest was not present due to they were in the field area but the institute accomodate 207 students of all level for this year of 2025 were present and that the learning environment was well-prepared for our seminar

 2. OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the project was to empower Kipawa VETAstudents with comprehensive knowledge about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their health and relationships. Specifically, the project aimed to:

- Educate on Reproductive Health: Provide detailed information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and overall reproductive well-being.

- Increase Awareness of Reproductive Rights: Ensure that students understand their rights, including the importance of consent and their ability to protect themselves from sexual violence and abuse.

- Highlight the Connection Between Reproductive and Mental Health: Explain how inadequate reproductive health practices can negatively impact emotional and psychological well-being, leading to issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

- Encourage Informed Decision-Making: Empower students to base their choices on accurate, evidence-based information rather than succumb to peer pressure.

- Foster Long-Term Engagement: Establish a Sexual and Reproductive Health Club to provide continuous education, peer support, and an ongoing dialogue on reproductive health issues