Teens table sexual concerns at summit

IN AN effort to reduce the high teenage pregnancy and HIV infection rates among the youth, LifeLine Zululand facilitated a Youth Indaba in eNseleni recently to address issues on Sexual Reproductive Health.

The summit hosted in partnership with Cllr Dumsani Ndimande of Ward 6 attracted over 300 pupils and their caregivers at each of five high schools – Balondo, Gwejobomvu, Tholokuhle, Izibuko and S’bonokule.

LifeLine Zululand in partnership with LifeLine Pietermaritzburg and through the financial support of the Ford Foundation, facilitated the programme to Grades 8, 9 and 10 at the schools from February to June.

According to Lifeline Zululand Social Work Manager Aaliyah Fransch, the programme has received positive feedback from pupils who were encouraged to attend the summit with their parents, guardians or caregivers.

‘The event created a platform for youngsters to present their views on teenage pregnancies in the community and promote open dialogue on a way forward.

‘The facilitators conducted 12 sessions at each of the schools and targeted over 1 500 pupils; they used the Life Orientation classes to discuss topics on HIV/Aids, reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, sexuality, abuse and relationships and to dispel some of the misinformation with which teens fuel one other.

The facilitators, who usually work with the children in groups of 20, faced challenges of up to 60 pupils in a class.

‘As an ongoing initiative, a teenage mothers’ support group has been started and is open to the eNseleni community,’ said Fransch.

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