Have you ever wondered what young people in this modern digital era like most?... Staying in touch, getting up to date and easy access to information as well as transparency are among the few things that spark curiosity in young people’s circles. They surely don’t act like ostriches with their heads in the ground, they are assertive and want to be informed and know things.
Given this, UNESCO’s Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) project created a cadre of young people in the Eastern and Southern African region as O3 project youth ambassadors who are university students, and digital micro-influencers. The young men and women were trained and empowered with accurate age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and how to properly use it to create online content.
This youth-driven initiative gives a platform for O3 ambassadors to design content that addresses health and wellbeing issues for their fellow young people. The content created and shared include topics such as sexual reproductive health, Early and Unintended Pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, Gender Based Violence and Mental Health. Moreover, the ambassadors help their fellow young people to access accurate knowledge and create a medium for discussion amidst misleading information found on the social media world.
Naishooki Lairumbe and Hassan Mkema are the O3 ambassadors for Tanzania, respectively covering Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar. With over 6000 followers online, these young champions are determined to bring positive changes in their community through their fingertips (using social media pages).
Coming from a community with traditional norms that limit girls to speak about sexuality, body autonomy and even menstruation, being an O3 program youth ambassador has boosted my confidence and knowledge to comfortably talk about sexual reproductive health topics with young people in my community
The O3 ambassadors are becoming the key pillar for young people’s awareness about their health and well-being and play a key role in supporting their peers to access accurate CSE information by creating a space for meaningful discussions.
My journey extends beyond personal growth; it's a commitment to being a voice that resonates with young individuals. Using online platforms, I foster open dialogue and share experiences to ensure meaningful conversations about SRHR
UNESCO through O3 and O3 PLUS projects continues to support young people to realize positive health education and gender equality outcomes through sustained reductions in new HIV infections, unintended pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence.
Hassan Mkema, an O3 ambassadors for Tanzania
