Initiative Detail
Location Information
The Komunitas Tenggara has embarked on a mission to empower the youth with comprehensive sexual education through the "Bacarita Kespro" initiative, addressing the reproductive health needs of adolescents in rural areas of Kupang City, Kupang District, and South Central Timor District. Geographic and infrastructural limitations have long impeded access to reproductive health knowledge and services, leading to inadequate awareness and fulfillment of health rights among the community. Furthermore, the region grapples with high rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancies, with the plight of the disabled often overlooked in health programs.
"Bacarita Kespro" seeks to break these barriers by mobilizing counselors and peer educators for youth empowerment and education. The initiative employs a religion-based approach, engaging religious leaders to foster a collective consciousness about reproductive rights. Collaboration is key, with the initiative bringing together the health department, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), and the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service. This multifaceted engagement ensures that the program resonates within the community, aligning with cultural sensibilities while promoting health education.
The impact of this initiative is significant, enlisting local religious and government leaders to champion the involvement of youth in reproductive health advocacy. Active engagement has led to the rise of 10 adolescents as peer educators and counselors, spearheading community-based activities that educate on reproductive health, sexual violence, and gender equality. "Bacarita Kespro" has cultivated a collective awareness, actively reducing violations of reproductive rights and gender-based violence within family and community settings. This has not only enlightened the youth but also laid a foundation for a more informed and healthier future for the communities involved.