EMPOWERING YOUTH HEALTH: INNOVATIONS FOR CHANGE AND THE PAMODZI PROJECT

In an era of rapid technological advancement, young people have access to a
multitude of health information sources. However, the challenge lies in
discerning trusted sources that provide accurate and positive health messages.
Many absorb negative narratives that influence critical life decisions. This
issue is particularly prevalent in higher learning institutions, where
assumptions about students' knowledge may hinder targeted health interventions.
Innovations for Change is addressing this challenge through the Pamodzi Project.

Under the Pamodzi Project, Innovations for Change recently conducted a comprehensive
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV, and Gender-Based Violence
(GBV) Music workshop at Mulanje Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery.

Aquick assessment revealed significant knowledge gaps among students,
particularly concerning instances of sexual harassment. Shockingly, 10 female
students reported experiencing harassment, with 6 facing repeated incidents.
Alarmingly, none of the victims reported these occurrences to the institution
authorities. Low awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure
Prophylaxis (PEP) was also identified. Additionally, students expressed
concerns about disclosing their HIV status due to fear of stigma.

Responding proactively, Innovations for Change organized a comprehensive education
session, addressing identified gaps and answering questions raised through a
questionnaire. The session, attended by the wider student community, featured
50 thought-provoking questions, covering topics from the reality of an HIV
vaccine to the impact of contraceptives on women's sexual well-being.

Seventeen students, inspired by the education session, transformed their insights into
powerful lyrics. Guided by the preferred music genre highlighted in the
questionnaire responses, the IFC music team produced an instrumental for the
students. This instrumental was used during the workshop to record the original
song, creating a unique blend of creativity and education.

The pinnacle of these efforts was the OPEN day, a collaborative event organized by
students with support from the institution's management and the IFC team. The original
song, a product of collective student input, took center stage, capturing the
attention of all present.

Stay tuned for an upcoming video that will encapsulate the transformative journey of
the students. The release is just around the corner!.

Pamodzi Project, co-implemented by Malawi Network of AIDS Service Organizations
(MANASO), National Association of People Living with HIV (NAPHAM), and
Innovations for Change (IFC), is generously funded by the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID). Together, we are paving the way for
informed, empowered, and healthy futures