Health Management
The health of teenagers takes so many dimensions mainly because they are still undergoing many developmental changes, a very sensitive window which Teens Up uses to help teenagers go through the different health related changes with dignity
Students are skilled in personal and interpersonal management and how to positively relate or network with peers, family and community members. Transferring of social management skills is done through counselling, motivational workshops, and group/team work.
Teens Up also sensitizes teenagers on the dangers of physical inactivity, bad personal hygiene, early/unwanted pregnancies, early sex and sex networks, illicit drugs and substance use, and unsafe relationships with peers, family and community members. The Teens Up ACT Model and Theory of Change help girls and boys to work towards their wellbeing and that of their communities.
- 1 out of every 4 Ugandan teenage girls becomes pregnant
- HIV prevalence among young Ugandans (15-24 years) is 4%
- Girls miss 10% to 20% of school days due to menstrual hygiene challenges
a) Physical Health
Good body hygiene, good nutrition, adequate physical activity are instilled in students and advocated for within schools. With an increase of non-communicable diseases, physical activity through walks, jogging and other field exercises, games and sports is very important now or never.
b) Mental Health
Teens Up skills both boys and girls on: appreciating their bodies, working for the best in life, being confident, conflict resolution, how to handle different stresses of life and improve their mental health, and where to seek help when overwhelmed. Teens Up also advocates for and sensitizes schools to have counselors for students’ mental health promotion. Depression, anxiety disorders, and high stress levels are the most common forms of ill mental health among teenagers and these sometimes lead to suicide attempts. Poor mental health among teenagers may be due to illnesses, substance use, poverty, loss of parents, broken families, insecurity, child abuse and violence, isolation by friends, expectations of success from parents and schools, low academic performances and competition, peer pressure, difficulties in accepting their identity and sexuality, and pressure from social media on issues such as body image, success and popularity.
c) Education on Drug and Substance Use and Abuse
The use and abuse of illicit drugs and substances such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco among teenagers, adolescents and youths is on the increase in Uganda. Teens Up sensitizes and educates teenagers about the dangers of illicit drugs and substance use and abuse such as memory problems, depression, panic disorders, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, bad smells on breath/body, violence, crime, deterioration of physical appearance, impaired coordination, hypertension, brain damage, financial problems and death.
d)Sexual and Reproductive Health Education
To safeguard against early pregnancies and HIV, Teens Up gives sexual and reproductive health education to students as this may delay onset of childbirth and marriages. Preventing child marriage and early pregnancy may help reduce the risks of HIV/AIDS infection, maternal death, and dropping out of school. Students are also sensitized about the benefits of testing for HIV and starting on medication if found positive. We also advocate for confidential spaces for HIV+ students to take their medications promptly. School nurses and senior woman teachers are targeted as keepers of confidentiality for HIV+ girls and boys.
e) Sexual Hygiene Education
Teens Up sensitizes and educates girls and boys on how menstruation and wet dreams are normal processes of females and males respectively, so as to keep off any shame and embarrassment, and to guide them on how to manage and keep themselves clean. Girls may keep away from school during menstruation and this leads to lagging behind academically and dropping out while, boys may feel sad about the aftermath of wet dreams. Teens Up teaches girls how to use and make sanitary wear. Teachers are equipped with the right knowledge about menstruation and empowered to provide counseling and guidance services to the girls at school. Teens Up also advocates for schools to provide a conducive and safe facility for girls to maintain menstrual hygiene.
f)Social Skills
Teens Up passes onto students, social skills categorized as soft and life skills. Soft skills include collaborative learning, communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, leadership, study and work ethic, positive attitude towards work, teamwork, flexibility and adaptability, and responsibility. Life skills include decision making, problem solving, creativity, self-awareness and worth, self-confidence, self-esteem, determination, etiquette and self-management, assertiveness and self-control, self-motivation and resilience.
g) Family & Community Relationships
Families play an important role in the lives of girls because it is a place of belonging and one’s roots. Communities whether school or those surrounding their homes help students to develop safe, positive, constructive relationships with other people. Each child has unique strengths, interests, and perspectives to contribute. Teens Up instils into students, attitudes and practices of appreciation and unity with their family and community members as these have a direct impact on holistic well-being. Students are empowered to stand up against oppressive and negative family/community values that would endanger their lives and wellbeing.