he is too old for you!

Empowering Youth: Campaign Against Teenage Pregnancy and Exploitative Relationships

Introduction:

Intshisakalo Yolutsha is a community-based organization committed to addressing pressing social issues affecting the youth in Zithulele and its neighboring villages. We are seeking funding to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at tackling teenage pregnancy and exploitative relationships among young women dating adults older than them. This campaign will empower youth with knowledge, skills, and support to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and to recognize and resist exploitative relationships.

Background:

Teenage pregnancy and relationships between young women and older adults are significant issues in our community, leading to adverse outcomes such as early school dropout, poverty, health risks, and perpetuation of cycles of exploitation and inequality. Research indicates that many teenage pregnancies result from power imbalances and coercion within relationships with older partners. Therefore, addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that promotes education, empowerment, and community support.

Objectives:

1. Raise awareness about the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy and exploitative relationships among youth in Zithulele and neighboring villages.

2. Provide youth with comprehensive sexuality education and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

3. Empower youth, particularly young women, to recognize and resist exploitative relationships through workshops, peer support groups, and mentorship.

4. Advocate for policy and systemic changes to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation and support their rights to education, health, and well-being.

Activities:

1. Community Workshops: Conduct workshops in schools and community centers to educate youth about sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships, and consent.

2. Peer Support Groups: Establish peer support groups where youth can discuss issues related to teenage pregnancy and exploitative relationships, share experiences, and provide support to each other.

3. Mentorship Program: Pair youth with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and positive role modeling to navigate challenges and make healthy choices.

4. Awareness Campaign: Organize awareness-raising activities such as street dramas, poster campaigns, and community dialogues to engage the wider community and challenge harmful norms.

5. Policy Advocacy: Work with local authorities, schools, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote youth rights and protect them from exploitation.

Expected Outcomes:

- Increased knowledge among youth about sexual and reproductive health and rights.

- Reduction in teenage pregnancy rates and instances of exploitative relationships.

- Greater awareness and support within the community for addressing these issues.

- Improved policies and services to support vulnerable youth and prevent exploitation.

Budget:

• Workshop materials: R7,500

• Peer support group facilitators: R15,000

• Mentorship program expenses: R12,000

• Awareness campaign materials: R4,500

• Advocacy expenses: R6,000

• Miscellaneous (transportation, administration): R7,500

Total: R52,500

Conclusion:

By supporting our campaign, you will contribute to empowering youth with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and to resist exploitative relationships. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for the youth in our community and break the cycle of teenage pregnancy and exploitation.

Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact with your support.