Youth Heroes contributing to increased access to SRHR with in the communities – meet Winfred Nekesa

My name is Nekesa Winfred. I am from Buhemba sub-county, Namayingo district. I work as a Y Hero with the Heroes for Gender Transformative programme. Under programme Y we work with young people 15-24 providing knowledge and information through curriculum based learning to enable them make better choices regarding their health. We meet these young people in schools, in the community and also at the health facility and hold sessions in age groups of 15-19 and 20-24. We talk about body changes, family planing, how to respect ourselves and others, alcohol and drug abuse among others. We also bring young people to the health facility and ensure that.

Nekesa Winfred, Y Hero
Nekesa Winfred, Y Hero

they acquire the services that they need. As an individual I have acquired life skills through Heroes For Gender Transformative Action programme. My confidence and self esteem have improved and I can now council my fellow peers when they come to me for consultation at the health facility. Also, I have been economically empowered through the facilitation provided by the programme and as a result been able to buy a cow among other things.

We see sustainability in that we have come up with Namayingo Youth Forum as programme Y and other groups to continue teaching young people about how they can stay safe, self care in relation to their bodies, their sexual reproductive health and rights and how they can contribute to creating an environment free from SGBV.