Nyagatare School-going youth encouraged to be champions of change: Men & boys participating in the fight against HIV & GBV

A transformative drive against HIV, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is gaining momentum. From Musanze district, the campaign proceeded to Nyagatare district, creating an inspiration of hope, thanks to the partnership with the Rwanda Biomedical center (RBC), UNAIDS Rwanda, AfriYAN Rwanda, UNFPA Rwanda, among other stakeholders.

From November 5^th to 8th, 2024 the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS carried out another campaign to tackle three interconnected challenges—HIV prevention and treatment, combating GBV, and raising awareness about SRHR among young people in  Nyagatare district.

This outreach that connected with over 9,000 young people from secondary schools through inter-schools Football, Volleyball, and Basketball sports and safe discussions was held in the four sectors of Gatunda, Katabagemu and Rwimiyaga. 

The campaign’s success also stems from partnering with healthcare providers, schools and local leaders to ensure that information and services reach every member of the community.

Engaging Youth for Sustainable Change

A significant focus of the campaign was to empower youth in general and specifically boys and young men, who make up a large portion of the population, to act as peer educators and agents of change, leveraging their influence to spread knowledge about HIV prevention such as testing to know their status, do safe sexual practices, early start and continuity to ARV treatment for those tested HIV positive, no stigma and discrimination. Boys and young men were specifically encouraged to prevent GBV and related teenage pregnancies that prevent youth to achieve their dreams and goals.

Like in the previous campaign held in Musanze, Safe Health messages on HIV prevention, GBV reduction and sensitization on SRHR were delivered through organized sports activities. In Gatunda sector: Groupe Scolaire karambi played against Groupe Scolaire Rwebare in basketball (November 5th), as in Katabagemu sector Groupe Scolaire Nyakigando contested with Groupe Scolaire Katabagemu in football (November 6th), while Groupe Scoalire Rwimiyaga faced Rwimiyaga Technical Secondary School in a spectacular volleyball match (November 7th) respectively.

Students called this opportunity as a reminder that they have the power to stop the spread of HIV, stand up against Gender-Based Violence, and demand respect for their sexual and reproductive rights.

According to Protogene Ihimbazwe, a senior six students at GS Karambi, prevention is key and people living with HIV deserve respect and protection from stigma. He pledged his role in sensitizing the youth, based on messages passed through this campaign.

” This campaign has taught me  to practice safe and responsible choices. Knowledge is power, and we are the generation that will end stigma, fight violence, make informed choices and guide others for a healthier tomorrow.”, said Ihimbazwe

Another student Charlene Umuhire, attested how young girls are at high risk of acquiring new HIV infection because of too much temptation from older men, taking advantage of them (some young girls) needing physical necessities.

Umuhire added, “Messages here will enrich what we have been doing in our anti-AIDS club, we need to mind much about abstinence, or use a condom for protection. Besides this campaign, we need to have learning materials distributed in schools, so that we acquire more knowledge to champion this cause.”

Leadership Backing Sparks Momentum

Nyagatare district Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs Juliet Murekatete commended this initiative by RRP+ and all stakeholders to promote advocacy for change, particularly among the youth, working towards a future free of violence & HIV. She remarked that Nyagatare district being one of the areas with burdens in new infections of HIV and teenage pregnancy calls for targeting youth for prevention.

The Vice Mayor also called upon stakeholders to help address barriers to youth in schools accessing information, suggesting the production of more IEC materials on HIV and other health subjects.

Vice Mayor Murekatete further stressed the need for capacity building, for heads of schools and teachers on how to take care of young people living with HIV in schools. This she said, “Would help schools know about their special needs like confidentiality, non-hinderance to medication, supplementary feeding, with required diet for better health, protection from stigma and other learning obstacles.”

While officially closing the campaign in a community forum, the Vice Mayor promised to continue this line in schools, while carrying out campaigns on different themes including those related to HIV/AIDS, in a specific period of time.

Role of schools in equipping students with knowledge and fostering open dialogue

According to Alphonse NIYONZIMA the Director of Studies at GS Rwibare, it is high time schools gave much time to sensitizing students on HIV prevention. He said, “As teachers go for CPD (Continuous Professional Development), students also should be allocated time for messages about their role in HIV prevention.”

During the campaign different stakeholders conceded to the fact that equipping students with knowledge and fostering open dialogue, is the perfect way to empower them make informed decisions, challenge harmful norms, and build a safer and healthier future.

Michele Gasana, a staff from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) educating youth about HIV prevention .

Gasana also embraced this comprehensive approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of HIV, GBV, and SRHR, stating that this empowers school-going students with accurate knowledge about HIV and fostering open conversations, life skills, and promoting safe practices.

Gloriose Mukamasabo is a Child Protection Advocate with the Center for Justice & Advocacy (Certa Law firm). She said that it is important to strive reduction of Sexual & Gender Based Violence, as one way to have reduced cases of new HIV infection. She further called for support to teen and young mothers who continue to be lured and put at high risk of new HIV infection.

Stories of impact from youth ambassadors

Youth ambassadors shared their journey of resilience and urged their fellows to stick to HIV prevention and become vocal advocates in their respective communities.

“Young people ought to be at the heart of this initiative to end HIV/AIDS,” explains Ntayihiki, a youth ambassador. “We all need to strive to engage with our peers in a way that resonates with them, let us always learn from messages relatable and actionable to HIV and GBV preventive measures.”

The Road Ahead

While progress has been remarkable in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such campaigns are far from over, since Challenges including misinformation, stigma, and inadequate resources persist. The community’s resilience and commitment are necessary, to continue a drive for change.