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YACs | Young Alive Clubs

Young Alive Clubs (YACs) is a dynamic program that empowers adolescent students with the Knowledge and Resources to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. By addressing the critical needs of health education, leadership and WASH, we create sustainable impact and transform futures.

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The goal is to improve the health and wellbeing of young people, especially in underserved communities, and increase their participation and leadership in community development projects

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Young Alive Clubs Focus on:
  • Connectedness, positive values and contribution to society
  • Agency and Resilience
  • Good Health and Optimum Nutrition
  • Learning, competence, Education, Skills and Employability
  • Safety and a Supportive Environment

YACs Framework

1. Empowering children to take ownership of their health and well-being
2. Encouraging children to develop work plans and action initiatives that promote health and well-being
3. Providing mentorship sessions for teachers to support children in their health and well-being goals
4. Creating a supportive environment that fosters healthy habits and behaviors
5. Engaging the surrounding community to promote health and well-being for all.

What Is Included

The Young Alive School Health Clubs undertake the following actions to achieve sustainable Adolescent Health, Safe schools and WASH in school:

Study and discussion

+ Regular study and discussion meetings to learn something new and discuss WASH needs in the school.


Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management.

+ Promotion of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management as students learn how to care for themselves during menses and how to make reusable sanitary pads.

Monitoring Adolescent Health and WASH in Schools

+ Monitoring Adolescent Health and WASH-related concerns in the school for example during school weekly parades where the club members sensitize them on Adolescent Health and WASH.

Sensitization & Awareness

+ Making WASH-related presentations (drama, poetry, music, and motivational talks) linked to health behavior and the promotion of using WASH infrastructure and maintaining them, during the parades and on community-organized events as well as other school events for instance teacher/parents meetings.

Advocacy

+ Advocate at school, within the community, and at other relevant levels/structures for more efforts to improve SRHR, Child well-being, WASH, and clean environment.,

Performing Arts

+ Support local government in their efforts to improve WASH by conducting outreach and sensitization through music dance and drama, particularly on events like the international water week, international menstrual hygiene day and international hand washing day among others

Mentorship & Skill Training

+ Participate in training and mentoring other pupils and community members in good WASH practices and activities such as making manual hand washing facilities (Tippy Taps), liquid soap for hand washing, Menstrual Health, safe drinking water chain, hand and body hygiene, urban gardens, environmental as well as WASH facility hygiene.

Events and Debates

+ Be involved in planning Events and discussing the sustainability of the activities of the club

Young Leaders & Participation

+ The school health club is also brought on board in discussing and acknowledging potential risks and mitigation measures in sustaining Adolescent Health and the WASH investment in the school.

School Gardens

+ Where the club established a school garden, the club ensures it is well maintained and cared for as well as encourages members and other students to set up home gardens in their homes.

Extra Curricular Activities

Here are some creative extra-curricular activities that the Omuto Foundation may be able to organize to support the learning of different topics discussed in Young Alive school clubs:

  • Field trips – Take students on field trips to explore the local environment, interact with experts in the field, and learn about the subject in a hands-on way.

  • Debates – Encourage students to engage in debates about the topics discussed in the club, which can help them to think critically and express their opinions.

  • Guest speakers – Invite guest speakers from various backgrounds to come and talk to the club members about their experiences and knowledge on the subject.

  • Workshops – Put together workshops to teach students skills related to the topics discussed in the club.

  • Community service – Have students volunteer in the local community, which can help them to gain a better understanding of the subject.

  • Games – Design fun and interactive games to help students to understand the concepts in a more engaging way.

  • Movie shows – Show movies related to the topics discussed in the club, which can help to bring the subject to life.

Next: Omuto Youth Center

Omuto Youth Centre will be a hub for young people to connect with each other and build their skills.

Since 2019, Omuto Foundation, a Ugandan non-profit focused on education and community development, is working to empower youth to create positive change from within. Through programs focused on developing leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility, Omuto Foundation is helping youth become leaders and problem-solvers in their communities.