YouthNet has provided short-term technical assistance in Nicaragua since 2003.
Assessment
Consultation on Out-of-School Education Model
Regional Mini-University
Ongoing Technical Assistance
YouthNet's efforts began with a request by USAID/Nicaragua for an assessment of selected youth reproductive health programs in the country. The assessment report, available in English and Spanish, includes recommendations for the USAID Mission, its partners, and other donors, addressing priorities for improved access and quality of youth reproductive health programs.
YouthNet conducted a feasibility study for the USAID/Nicaragua Mission regarding the possible adaptation of the Tutorial Learning System (a model of rural secondary education) to Nicaragua. This model was developed by a Colombian NGO and later adapted by an NGO in Honduras. The YouthNet-led fieldwork included travel by the Nicaraguan Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports to Colombia to observe the functioning of the SAT program. YouthNet submitted a final study report to USAID/Nicaragua with specific recommendations for implementing SAT in Nicaragua.
A case study describing SAT's program work can be found in Youth Issues Paper 4 - Reaching Out-of-School Youth with Reproductive Health and HIV Information and Services.
In August 2004, YouthNet and the Pan American Health Organization, in conjunction with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health and the NicaSalud NGO Consortium, co-sponsored a Latin American regional forum on youth sexual and reproductive health. The forum took place in Nicaragua and was attended by more than 100 participants from eight Latin American countries. The forum followed the "mini-university" model and presented key information on youth RH/HIV, with various choices for participants to pursue during the week-long meeting. A report in Spanish on the forum, including presentations made, is available.
In April 2004, YouthNet and its partner, Agencia Latinoamericana de Expertos en Planificacion (ALEPH), conducted a youth reproductive health strategy development workshop. The workshop included a stakeholder analysis and identified priority needs for reproductive health education and services. YouthNet is currently engaged in ongoing technical assistance to the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health to assist them in finalizing their strategic plan and addressing the priority needs through their integrated Adolescent Health Program.
