Youth Issues
Giving young people the time and space to be creative, to
consider 
ideas such as female condoms, and informing them about local sexual
and reproductive healths services, are just a few of the simple,
yet effective, activities that Tenteleni volunteers can do during
their project.
Working with young people can be incredibly rewarding and challenging. Some of the young people that Tenteleni volunteers work with are often quite vulnerable, a little rowdy at times, probably very creative, and always good fun. If, however, the last time you interacted with a child or teenager was when you were one yourself, then engaging with a group of young people in a foreign country can be a bit daunting. Yet, take the time to get to know the young people, their lives and culture, forget yourself for a while and relax into the surroundings, and you will be able to engage with them and maybe even influence their lives in a small, yet positive way. They are sure to influence yours.
‘Youth Issues’ is a term used to encompass a wide range of issues that affect young people. They range from self esteem, to relationships, and from condom use, to Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV. Tackling these issues among young people can take a range of forms; from debates about the rights of women that encourage young people to express their opinions, through to improvisational drama that focus on bullying – ‘Youth Issues’ are as numerous and varied as the young people that Tenteleni volunteers work with.
What you learn as a Tenteleni volunteer is that young people are the same the world over. An issue that affects teenagers in the UK, also affects teenagers in Malawi. Condoms for example; if a group of 13 year olds in the UK have a lesson about condom use, there are sure to be quite a few giggles. Transfer that lesson to Swaziland, and the same is likely to happen.
The information and activity packs, along with the UK and in-country training provided by Tenteleni, are designed to lead you through these issues and are full of tips, background information and anecdotes from previous volunteers.If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact the Youth Issues Training and Preparation Coordinator, Frances Green, at frances.green@tenteleni.org.uk
All Youth Issues packs are available to current volunteers by registering an website account. To register, click on the link at the top of the page and create a new account. All packs are then available through the Volunteer Information page.