By Catherine Chasepa
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council’s youth health facilitator at Mabasa Youth Centre Edmund Mantiziba has expressed his satisfaction with Bethany Project’s initiative aimed at educating media houses on reporting factual information related to sexual reproductive health (SRH).
Mantiziba raised the importance of addressing SRH issues as they significantly impact young people.
“We are trying to invest in SRH; one of its pillars is to invest in young people today and tomorrow,” Mantiziba stated.
He highlighted that equipping youth with knowledge enables them to make responsible choices that can prevent dire consequences, including suicide and unwanted pregnancies resulting from irresponsible sexual behavior.
“Mostly girls are at a disadvantage because they get pregnant and might even stop schooling,” he said.
Mantiziba further acknowledged improvements made by the Ministry of Child and Women Affairs, which has facilitated better opportunities for girls to continue their education despite these challenges.
“We are happy that the ministry has made it better for girls to continue with school,” he added.
Despite these advancements, stigma remains a significant barrier for many young women seeking education after experiencing pregnancy,“because of stigma, they might fail to go to school,” Mandiziva concluded, underscoring the need for continued efforts in both education and societal attitudes towards SRH issues.
Bethany Project aims not only to inform but also to empower young individuals, ensuring they have access to accurate information that can lead to healthier choices and brighter futures.
Meanwhile, Bethany Project’s Pamumvuri Project has played a significant role in supporting vulnerable girls with essential supplies.
Mantiziba highlighted the urgent necessity for sanitary pads among vulnerable girls in the community.
In an interview, he conveyed his approval of Bethany Project’s efforts, especially the Pamumvuri program, which is designed to give essential items to those in need.
“Women need pads; it’s nature,” he said. He highlighted that many girls face significant challenges due to their menstrual cycles, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
“Some girls have heavy flows and need two or three packets which cost $1 each, which they cannot afford,” he explained. The Pamumvuri program is designed to address this pressing issue by distributing sanitary pads directly to vulnerable girl children in various communities.
Mantiziba also praised Bethany Project for recognizing the urgent needs of these young women and taking action through their outreach efforts. “Bethany has seen that there are vulnerable girl children with great need of pads and actioned on it,” he noted.
Bethany Project’s commitment goes beyond menstrual health; they have other projects aimed at providing financial assistance for those seeking medical attention.
“It’s crucial that we address not just one aspect of health but look at the overall well-being of our community members , including parents,” said Mantiziba.
The Pamumvuri program is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations, ensuring that no girl is left behind when it comes to health and dignity.