In the framework of the “TUBAKARORERO” Project implemented in Bujumbura Province by the Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), in partnership with Care International and under the financial support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Burundi, SYM organized a meeting of coordination bringing together the members of the Municipal Coordination Committee of the said Project. This activity was organized in the communes of Mutimbuzi, Isare, Kabezi, Mutambu and Mugongomanga, respectively on May 7, 8, 10 and 13, 2024.

The objectives of the said meeting were to assess the state of the project activities in youth spaces and in community solidarity groups, identify the main challenges at the community level which limit the adoption of positive attitudes in SRHR among young people, FP and the fight against SGBV among couples and propose solutions as well as the role of everyone.

On this subject, it was noted that thanks to the various awareness sessions organized respectively in youth centers, VSLA, schools and churches, people are starting to change their mentalities related to FP. Demand for services related to SRH and the adoption of contraceptive methods from health providers is growing, even if there is reluctance among men in certain localities. Unwanted pregnancies as well as early marriages within schools have significantly decreased, even if a considerable target has not been reached due to the distance from youth centers and the impassability of the roads.

It was an opportunity to develop an action plan for the following quarter with the participation of all members of the committee, also involving the participation of women and girls in the project activities. At the end of the activity, the members of the Coordination Committee also put forward approaches for the sustainability and sustainability of the activities of the youth centers and VSLAs after the project.

By, Communications Officer,

Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM)