Duration: 5 years (2016-2020)
Partnership: A strategic partnership between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the GUSO consortium, implemented through the SRHR alliance in Uganda.
Background and Previous Initiatives
GUSO built on the achievements and lessons learned from previously implemented programs, including United for a Healthy Tomorrow (UFHT) and Access to Services and Knowledge (ASK). These programs laid the groundwork for an effective approach to youth empowerment and sexual health education.
Problem Addressed
Young people in Uganda often face barriers that prevent them from claiming their sexual rights and participating fully in society. Restrictions at community, societal, institutional, and political levels hinder access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education and services. This limits their ability to make informed SRHR decisions.
Program Objective
To empower all young people, especially girls and young women, to realize their SRHR in supportive and positive environments that respect youth sexuality.
Targeted Beneficiaries
- Age Group: Young people aged 10-24, both in and out of school.
- Geographical Coverage: Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, and Mayuge districts.
Program Focus Areas
- Information and Education: Providing comprehensive and age-appropriate SRHR education.
- Service Provision: Ensuring access to quality SRHR services that match young people’s needs.
Guiding Principles
- Inclusiveness: Embracing all youth, regardless of background or status.
- Positive Rights-Based Approach: Recognizing youth as rights-holders with the power to make decisions about their health.
- Multi-Component Approach: Integrating education, health services, and advocacy for a comprehensive impact.
- Gender Transformation: Fostering gender equality by addressing norms and biases.
- Meaningful Youth Involvement: Actively involving young people in program planning, implementation, and evaluation to ensure that their voices and needs are prioritized.
Key Achievements and Impact
The GUSO program reached 45000 young people, equipping them with knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed SRHR decisions. The program’s holistic approach empowered youth to advocate for their rights, overcome barriers, and promote gender equality in their communities.
Grant Budget