Reaching young adults requires different techniques than those
used to reach older adults. Most youth do not seek out services
on their own. Thus, programs need to increase adolescents' awareness
of reproductive health issues in order to encourage them to
seek services. When designing programs, policy-makers and providers
need to acknowledge the importance of culture and tradition
and, at the same time, be bold in advocating and providing what
young people want and need.
Research from the World Health Organization, the United Nations
Population Fund and other groups has identified the most important
program elements that are effective in reaching youth. First,
programs need to identify clearly a target group by age, school
status, and other factors, and then analyze the group's specific
assets and needs, developing appropriate strategies to meet
those needs. Second, many agencies have stressed the importance
of involving youth in various ways. These may include needs
assessments, planning, peer promotion, focus groups, evaluation
and board membership. Third, working with community leaders,
teachers, school principals, religious leaders, and family members
can help reduce fears or misconceptions about programs for youth.
Fourth, using materials that are designed, or at least field
tested among youth, is crucial. This will help to ensure that
the materials are relevant and can be understood by young people.
Fifth, services need to go where youth are, and be accessible
in terms of cost, location, hours of operation, waiting time
and other practical factors, which youth can help identify.
Health services also need to be linked with other services to
provide a holistic approach to the care of each individual.
Sixth, it is important to use good evaluation tools to create
projects that can be sustained and replicated. Private donors
and government programs should provide sufficient funds to permit
successful, small-scale projects to expand.
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