You must also learn to deal with new feelings about sexuality, physical and emotional changes, and about how to make responsible decisions about reproduction and parenthood. You will need to know the facts about your own sexuality and learn skills to help you plan for happy futures and healthy lives. Young and Wise is a PPAG initiative that provides young people with information, services and skills that will empower them to make informed choices either to Abstain, Be faithful in their relationships, use a Condom and Seek treatment and services from a youth friendly facility. Young and Wise provides young people with the right information, youth friendly services and skills to adopt healthy behaviours and to stay through the ever changing and challenging time of youth.

The Launching of Y&W in Accra

Young & Wise was born by Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) as part of its decision to shift focus from family planning to youth focuses gender sensitive SRH services and programmes. Drawing from over three decades of experience with young people, PPAG saw the need to bridge gap between knowledge levels and the use of services by young people deemed pertinent to assist the youth design, implement.

What do we do?

In line with International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Vision 2000 Strategic Plan (1999), Young & Wise aims at achieving the following objectives and outcome by providing quality SRH services to young adults.

It also empowers young people with strategies and information on how to abstain and maintain quality SRH life style. Activities at Young & Wise Centres among other things, aims at achieving some of all of the following:

• To Increase Knowledge of Young Adults on SRH Issues through:
• An Audio / Reference Library
• A Computer Centre And Internet Café
• Be Wise Multimedia Campaign
  
  
• To Increase Access Of Young People To Quality SRH Services Through:
• An SRH clinic located in a youth friendly environment
• Specialized counseling for young adults on the help line “Be Wise Let’s Talk”
  
  
• To Increase Participation Of Young Adults In The Planning, Implementation And Evaluation Of SRH Programs Through:
• The participation of Peer Educators and other youth in decision making
• The involvement of youth staff in steering the activities of Young & Wise
  
  
• Increase Demand For And Use Of SRH Services By:
• A multi-media campaign which creates demand for the use of SRH services by: Linking youth with the Young & Wise Centres
• Providing educational and entertaining forums for the exploration of teen health issues
• De-mystifying and dispelling myths about sexual and reproductive health issues.
• Using a multi-media approach to create safe-sex knowledge and the transformation of this.

• Young & Wise Youth Centres will provide:
• A stimulating and youth-focused environment to ensure an ongoing youth involvement.
• Education and outreach to youth through the increased presence of trained peer.

• What will you get from being part of Young & Wise?
• Free information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and other youth concerns
• Access to HIV preventive services including management of sexually transmitted infections, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for (HIV), general counseling and condoms.
• Life Planning Skills (LPS) that helps you face the challenges of growing up and enables you to make the right decisions about your sexual health
• Access to recreational facilities in Young & Wise Centres and
• The opportunity to participate in Young & Wise competitions
• The opportunity to be trained as a Peer Educator
• The opportunity to volunteer your services in a Young & Wise facility.

• The Accra Young & Wise Centre has a Main Hall half full of fun and games. You can:
• Watch DVD movies on a 34 inch colour TV!
• Listen to all the hippest HIP LIFE, R&B, JAZZ etc. while you play or have a SNACK!!
• Join in our educating and informative discussions in SRH, CAREER TALKS and COMMUNITY SERVICE we provide our communities.

Are you a YOUNG WOMAN and want to share experiences in an all “SIS Environment? Then be part of the all women activities i.e. EXCURSIONS, INFORMATION SHARING, SKILL DEVELOPMENT etc!!! Do you love to WRITE, ACT, DANCE, SING etc! How about developing and sharing TALENTS and SKILLS by joining in the campaign (TV, ELECTRONIC MEDIA PRINT)?

NOW, HOW CAN I BE PART OF THIS YOUTHFUL EXPERIENCE?

Are you a young person between the ages of 10 and 24? Then you’ve found yourself in the right place at the right time doing the right thing! Join the fun and share ideas and experiences and get educated all at the same time. Involve yourself in the activities and programs at Young & Wise Centres.

They were CUT, DESIGNED and MADE by YOUTH for YOUTH. BE WISE and be part of the IMPLEMENTATION of these ideas NOW!

Contact us:

The Accra Young & Wise Centre for more information Laterbiokorshie, off Blacksmith Junction Town Council Line. PPAG Head Office and talk to our YOUTH FRIENDLY RECEPTIONSIT or call us on 021 – 306104 / 310369 / 310454 for further information.

Website: www.youngandwise.net