ASRH ONE STOP CENTRE

Adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) is a critical aspect of adolescents and young people’s (AYP) overall well-being and development. However, many young people lack access to accurate information and resources, leading to negative consequences such as unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, poor menstrual health and limited educational opportunities. A statement by UNICEF in 2022 revealed that 1 in 3 girls is married before they reach the age of 18 in Zimbabwe. The major contribution to this problem was alluded to poverty, lack of education and poor access to comprehensive SRH services amongst AYP. The plight is worse in rural areas where there is poor access to education and awareness due to poor road networks and remote geographical locations. Most available SRH services for young people are fragmented and do not comprehensively cater for all the SRH needs of young people. AYP in rural areas have to travel long distances to access these services. Statistics reflect that poor uptake of SRH services by AYP is due to hostile environments that view AYP 

The One Stop Centre will be a hub where adolescents will be have unlimited access to SRH education and awareness . In order to promote privacy and widen the choices of AYP on their preferences in accessing SRH knowledge , the hub will be equipped with computers where a consultative artificial intelligence application will be installed . The use of technology can be compromised by poor internet connectivity and power cuts especially in rural areas , hence the center will also make use of peer counsellors and educators . This promote a conducive and private SRH platform where adolescents can consult on various SRH issues . These are puberty , consent , safe sexual practices ,contraception ,  sexually transmitted infections menstruation and  healthy relationships  . Through recognizing the detrimental effects of period poverty and the limited attention awarded to menstrual health as a crucial component of ASRH , the center will provide Reusable Pad making soft skills. Production of reusable menstrual pads at the center will be an income generating initiative for out of school AYP where they can produce the reusable pads for sell in their community .A strong referral system will be established for clinical interventions and report of sexual expoiltation and abuse .

A comprehensive SRH program that specifically targets adolescents from rural areas is crucial in ensuring the overall well-being and development of this vulnerable group. Living in rural areas often means limited access to quality healthcare, including essential sexual reproductive health services. Adolescents in these areas face unique challenges, such as limited knowledge and information about sexual health, lack of awareness about contraceptives and their proper usage, and cultural barriers that hinder open discussions about sensitive SRH  topics. By designing a program tailored to address their specific needs and challenges, the center can empower these adolescents with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health, prevent early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, improve their menstrual health and ultimately promote their overall well-being.

My team leaves close to the rural community , and the organization's area of jurisdiction is the community and has a background of the needs within the community.

In Goromonzi , there is no youth center that caters for the comprehensive SRH needs of adolescents and young people .Being a rural set up, access to a revolutionized form of education through making use of artificial intelligence is a new thing . A one stop center where all aspects of SRH are addressed through comprehensive education and a strong referral system is new in the area.  Reusable pad making is also an empowerment approach that could ensure increased access to menstrual materials and improved livelihoods through the selling the pads . 

Enhancing Education and Awareness

The integration of AI into an ASRH youth center can revolutionize the way young people in rural areas access information and resources. AI-powered chatbots, for instance, can provide personalized and accurate responses to queries related to sexual health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections. These chatbots can be available throughout the day, ensuring that adolescents have access to reliable information whenever they need it. By utilizing natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, AI can continuously improve its responses, adapting to the evolving needs and concerns of young people. In complementing the A1 chatbots, peer educators will also be part of the center to cater for the digitally illiterate and some weaknesses of the digital space to provide a hybrid of education and awareness platforms

Goal 2: Tailoring Information to Individual Needs

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in ASRH. By leveraging this capability, an AI-powered youth centre can provide tailored information and resources to adolescents based on their specific needs and circumstances. For example, AI can consider factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural background to deliver culturally sensitive and inclusive content.  This personalized approach can empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, leading to better outcomes and reduced risks.

Goal 3. Overcoming Barriers to Access

In many communities, access to comprehensive ASRH education and services is limited due to various barriers, including stigma, lack of resources, and geographical constraints. AI can help bridge these gaps by providing remote access to information and support. Through mobile applications or web platforms, young people can access AI-powered tools that offer interactive learning modules, virtual counseling sessions complimented by the use of peer educators . By leveraging AI, the youth center can reach marginalized populations, ensuring that no adolescent is left behind in their journey towards sexual and reproductive health. Use of trained peer educators is also crucial in promoting a youth friendly environment that encourages AYP to express their SRH views and needs without fear of judgement .

Goal 4. Data-Driven Decision Making

The integration of AI into an ASRH youth hub can generate valuable insights through data analysis. By collecting and analyzing anonymized data, AI algorithms can identify emerging trends, prevalent issues, and gaps in knowledge or services. This data-driven approach can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators about the specific needs of adolescents, enabling them to design targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively. Moreover, AI can facilitate monitoring and evaluation processes, allowing stakeholders to measure the impact of their initiatives and make evidence-based decisions.

Goal 5. Economic Empowerment

 Producing reusable sanitary pads can create employment opportunities for young people. Income generated from the sale of these pads can be reinvested in ASRH programs and initiatives. Economic empowerment enhances the overall well-being and independence of adolescents and reduces the impact of sexual exploitation on girls and young women.

Activities :

1) Education and awareness sessions. 

2) Reusable Pad Making 

3) SRH consultations 

4)Sporting activities Outputs :

Outputs :

1) Increased education and awareness on SRH issues  

2)Improved SRH outcomes 

3) Increased access to SRH knowledge and information 

4) Improved access to menstrual materials .

Full Time - 4 people 

Part Time - 2 People 

Volunteers - 10 people

1 year

We have a gender , diversity and inclusion policy in the organization .It is religiously adhered to .The organization takes a non discriminatory approach on the basis of gender , sexual orientation and identity ,age and race etc