Highlights of YAI April-May 2026 Activities through Newsletter.

Breaking the Silence: Communities Unite for Elevate Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health

On April 2 & April 20, 2026 | Nyamalimbe and Nyakagwe Dispensaries, Geita DC.

Our ongoing efforts to drive impactful grassroots change, Elibarick Simon, Project Coordinator at the Young and Alive Initiative (YAI), recently played a vital role in bringing together diverse community groups. Co-coordinated by YAI alongside PUHAMATI and Youth Power Light, this collaborative initiative successfully engaged youth, parents, religious and traditional leaders, local politicians, and healthcare providers. By connecting these varied stakeholders, we continue to strengthen community partnerships and ensure that all voices are represented in our developmental program.

The events focused on bridging the communication gap between parents and youth regarding reproductive health. Participants tackled policy implicitly and the social stigma that prevents young people from accessing Comprehensive Sexual Reproductive Health Services. Through values clarification dialogues and interactive edutainment at local SALIKI (Village Health and Nutrition) days, the team successfully linked family planning and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRHR) with broader maternal and child health.

Parents and religious leaders committed to initiating home level dialogues to end the culture of silence around  Sexual Reproductive Health.

• Healthcare providers agreed to prioritize youth friendly care to reduce waiting times and stigma at local clinics.

• YAI will follow up with leveraging community events to continue with awareness, open dialogues with key gate keepers.

• Continue collaborating with local CBOs and local leaders to continue dismantling stigma and barriers that prevent Sexual Reproductive Health utilizations within the communities.

  
  

  

  

April 23, 2026 | Hanang District, Manyara Region

Youth, parents/guardians, religious and traditional leaders, healthcare providers, and community level development stakeholders. The community dialogue aimed to enhance community awareness, particularly among young people, on Sexual  Reproductive Health (SRHR). Through Participants discussed key barriers limiting access to these services, such as stigma, harmful cultural norms, and lack of accurate information. 

Through participatory discussions, the community was encouraged to promote open intergenerational communication and break the silence surrounding reproductive health issues.

• Community members agreed to promote open dialogue at both household and community levels to address Sexual Reproductive Health (SRHR)issues.

• Religious and traditional leaders committed to supporting awareness efforts and reducing stigma.

• Healthcare providers emphasized the need to strengthen youth friendly services to improve access and utilization of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRHR).

• Young and Alive Initiative (YAI) will continue collaborating with local stakeholders to enhance awareness and address barriers preventing youth from accessing services.

In Dodoma Region: 

Young and Alive Initiative convened a community dialogue on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at Soya Health Facility in Chemba District, bringing together religious leaders, parents, Community Health Workers (CHWs), healthcare providers, and youth. Discussions focused on the importance of parent-child communication, access to youth friendly health services, moral values, and strengthening community support systems to promote informed SRH decisions among adolescents and youth. Healthcare providers encouraged young people (Youth) to seek information and services from health facilities whenever needed.

Young And Alive Initiative recently had the privilege of accepting an invitation to a special training organized by PATH. Representing us at this important gathering was the Young And Alive Initiative CEO, who joined other key participants for the session. The main objective of the training was to provide a clear understanding of how to incorporate workplace exercises and to build the systems, habits, and overall culture necessary to promote better health in the workplace. We have learned immensely from this experience and are already actively putting these wellness strategies into practice within our team.

Young And Alive Initiative excited to be among the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to youth and women participating in a new capacity building journey. In partnership with FCS and UNICEF, we are embarking on a strategic development initiative designed to strengthen our organizational capabilities. The primary aim of this collaborative journey is to significantly increase the efficiency and maximize the impactful results of our work within society. We are thrilled about this new chapter and look forward to leveraging what we learn to create an even greater impact in our communities.

THE LAUNCH OF THE GOOD VIBRATION FRAMEWORK

On April 7, Young And Alive Initiative joined The Pleasure Project and Good Vibrations to explore empowered Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) choices in the digital age. Young And Alive Initiative represented by Dr Sesilia Shirima (CEO) co-presented alongside renowned global experts Anne Philpott, Prof. Maria Lohan, Sapna I. Desai, Laura Ramos Tomás, and Sai Jyothirmai Racherla. Moving beyond traditional frameworks, the session highlighted the urgent need to destigmatize our bodies, champion bodily autonomy, and adopt the "Pleasure Matters" audit, which recognizes positive pleasure outcomes as a critical indicator of true empowerment.

Crucially, attendees actively engaged in the dialogue, sharing valuable contributions and practical insights on how to navigate risks, address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and strengthen health system protections. By shifting from a purely negative perspective to embracing holistic social wellbeing, the collective discussion mapped out actionable steps toward true gender equity. By connecting clinical expertise, grassroots advocacy, and policy, this collaborative session successfully redefined modern approaches to SRHR principles that YAI remains deeply committed to advancing as we continue our work with young people.

ELEVATE IN SRHR VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSIONS

On April 29, 2026, Young and Alive Initiative (YAI) convened a vital virtual session for our youth network focused on Safeguarding in SRHR Youth Spaces. Moderated by YAI CEO Dr. Sesilia Shirima, and featuring expert insights from Dr. Anna alongside an interactive Q&A with Abubakar Rehani, the event evolved into a powerful, candid dialogue on ethics, trust, and accountability in health service delivery.

The most pressing conversation centered on the absolute necessity of confidentiality. Reacting to real world scenarios, the youth network firmly established that sharing a client's story even when hiding their name can lead to indirect identification, instantly destroying the foundation of a safe space. 

Network members highlighted that such ethical breaches fuel stigma and are the primary reason young people fear disclosing sensitive information. The consensus was clear: peer educators must prioritize strict privacy, avoid judgment, and obtain explicit consent before discussing any client experiences.

The session also tackled the complex realities of power dynamics. Through a highly engaging Q&A, participants challenged the status quo by asking tough questions on how to navigate the blurred lines of subtle exploitation, the safest mechanisms for reporting persistent harassment, and the urgent need for younger, more relatable service providers. By confronting these realities head on and concluding with a concrete action plan, YAI and its network reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to building secure, respectful, and fully confidential SRHR environments for all youth.

The "Budget Management" session, held on May 21, 2026, via Zoom, successfully equipped young leaders and SRHR organizations with practical knowledge on financial planning and sustainable investment. Key discussions focused on avoiding financial mistakes, utilizing the 50/30/20 budgeting framework (Needs, Wants, Future), and achieving long-term financial freedom through systems like compound growth. Participants left with a foundational understanding of budget management theory and a desire to learn more practical development skills. The event's promotional campaign reached 14,315 people. 

Young And Alive Initiative, as one of the members of the MHH Coalition, proudly participated in the Hedhi Salama Marathon 2026 held on 23 May at Mwenge.The event brought together partners, young people, and community members in a collective effort to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding menstruation.

Through the 5KM marathon, participants walked, marched, and sang together in solidarity while promoting open dialogue on menstrual health, hygiene, and dignity. The activity also served as a platform to engage the community and advocate for the rights of girls and women to access accurate information, support, and safe environments.

YAI remains committed to advancing menstrual health justice and ensuring every girl and woman feels informed, confident, supported, and empowered.

YAI remains committed to advancing menstrual health justice and ensuring every girl and woman feels informed, confident, supported, and empowered.

Young and Alive Initiative (YAI) proudly hosted an official visit from the Embassy of Poland on 22 May 2026 at Kijitonyama Kisiwani Primary School to showcase the implementation of the ORASS programme.

ORASS (Obstacle Race Against Stigma and Shame) is a youth centred mental health initiative implemented by YAI in partnership with Community Consortium Uganda (CCU). The programme promotes mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing among children and adolescents through sports, arts, games, and peer engagement.

During the visit, representatives from the Embassy engaged with students, teachers, and programme coordinators while witnessing how creativity, physical activities, and open conversations are creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people. The delegation commended the initiative for its contribution in reducing stigma, encouraging dialogue on mental health, and empowering children and youth within the community.

Young and Alive Initiative, represented by Dr. Sesilia Shirima, joined fellow feminist and women led organizations at the impactful convening, “Reshaping an African Feminist Agenda to End GBV.” This dynamic space was dedicated to strengthening regional collaboration and driving unified action in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

YAI remains committed to standing in solidarity with partners across borders to advance the rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and girls. We are part of the movement to end GBV, collectively strategizing beyond borders.

Young and Alive Initiative, we believe in the power of movement building and collective action. We recently joined fellow members of the Mkuki Coalition for a reflection on the progress, strengthening coordination, and advancing collective actions to end all forms of violence.

The convening provided an important platform for coalition members to share experiences, celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and reinforce collaboration towards creating safer and more equitable communities for all.

As part of Mkuki Tanzania, we remain committed to standing in solidarity with partners across the movement, amplifying collective voices, and driving sustainable action to prevent and respond to all forms of Gender Based Violence.

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