Young people are at the center of many program agendas for reproductive health and HIV. The urgency to address risk factors has led many organizations to rush into program activities, often without regard for whether those activities are supported by solid, evidence-based findings.
So what works and what does not? To help answer that question, YouthNet summarized information, guides, and other resources to key programmatic areas in the topics shown below. We also reported on our own work in these areas, where we were helping to synthesize and refine best practices in the field. YouthNet's research program built new evidence that contributed to these program areas.
YouthNet's program areas followed a set of overarching strategies designed to guide the way.
Target and respect the audience YouthNet programs, interventions, and messages were specific to the age, gender, life stage, culture, civil status, geographic location, and other needs of the target population.
Promote social franchising Recognition and awareness of programs for young people were facilitated by program "brands" and signage that identified participating centers as youth-friendly providers of quality care and reliable information.
Build on existing capacity Existing programs and initiatives were strengthened by making practical tools available, facilitating the dissemination of information, and providing training to communities and local institutions.
Use all available technologies In addition to more traditional methods, wherever possible, YouthNet programs included innovative technologies like the Internet and satellite distance learning to increase access to the information needed for effective problem solving, dynamic learning, strategic planning, and decision making.
Institutionalize monitoring and evaluation for sustainability YouthNet emphasized rigorous monitoring and evaluation to help transform small pilot projects into comprehensive, cost-effective, sustainable programs.
