Information materials for young people
Many studies in Tanzania and all over the world, show that adolescents and young people in general need more and better quality information on sexuality and reproductive health. For most individuals, there are a multitude of decisions to be made regarding their sexual and reproductive life: e.g. when to start having sex, to continue or not to continue having sex, caring about contraception, using a contraceptive method, protecting themselves and their partner's from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, discussing decisions on sexuality and health with one’s partner, planning for children and taking the necessary steps to make pregnancy and childbirth safer.
Only well-informed young people can make healthy decisions and having sound knowledge of reproductive health issues is the basis on which such decisions will be made by adolescents and adults alike.
A series of booklets has been developed in both languages.
1. Vol 1- Growing up (Eng) / Kitabu cha 1- Kuingia Utu Uzima (Swahili)
2. Vol 2- Male-Female relationships (Eng) / Kitabu cha 2-Mahusiano kati ya Wasichana na Wavulana (Swahili)
3. Vol 3- Sexual relationships (Eng) / Kitabu cha 3 - Mahusiano ya Kimwili (Swahili)
4. Vol 4 - Pregnancy (Eng) / Kitabu cha 4- Mimba (Swahili)
5. Vol 5-Healthy relationships (Eng) / Kitabu cha 5- Usalama katika Mapenzi (Swahili)
6. Vol 6 - HIV/AIDS and the new generation (Eng) / Kitabu cha 6- UKIMWI na Kizazi Kipya (Swahili)
7. Vol 7 - Drugs and drug abuse (Eng) / Kitabu cha 7- Madawa ya kulevya (Swahili)
8. Vol 8 - Alcohol and cigarettes (Eng) / Kitabu cha 8- Pombe na Sigara (Swahili)
9. Vol 9 - Reproductive rights (Eng) / Kitabu cha 9 - Haki za afya ya uzazi (Swahili)
10. Vol 10 - Condom (Eng) / Kitabu cha 10 - Kondomu na Jarida
11. Vol 11 - Sexually Transmitted Infections (Eng) / Kitabu cha 11 - Magonjwa yatokanayo na kujamiiana (Swahili)
Not only printed material is in much demand; the Internet too is used more and more by young Tanzanians. Internet cafes are springing up in all large and many smaller communities, and a small study of internet use showed that communication, music, games and current affairs are the most visited pages. In cooperation with the Femina HIP project and with SPW students, a bilingual interactive website was developed in English and Kiswahili. The site offers information on AIDS, sexuality, love and relationships, but also on entertainment, lifestyles, job-hunting, etc.
For more information go to www.chezasalama.com or see 'Connect and Learn Initiative' and 'Eletronic Health Materials'.
Questions are encouraged and education is combined with entertainment.
It is important that different sources supplement each other’s information rather than contradicting one another.
Thus, within the scope of the health programme, for example, public roadshows and theatre presentations are supported that address important aspects of HIV/AIDS and reproductive health in a “happening" atmosphere, stimulate discussion and foster contact between the health service and the population. Leaflets and video soap operas in Kiswahili accompany these diverse activities.
Concerted efforts have been made by TGPSH with various partners/stakeholders(PSI and TBS) Presentations are now available as downloads in both languages this includes ;condom history, condom effectiveness, condom quality assurance and condom use around the world
1. Kiswahili presentation
2. English presentation