Young people are curious and fun-loving. When granted opportunities, they usually prove how effective they can be with their youthful energy. An important aspect of the work UNFPA Ghana conducts is creating meaningful opportunities for youth engagement and development.
In line with this, UNFPA Ghana collaborated with the Youth Action Movement (YAM) of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) at this year's annual Street Art festival which is popularly referred to as Chale Wote in Accra, to provide reproductive health information and to many art lovers who thronged the streets of Jamestown to take part in the colourful carnival.
One of the volunteers of the Youth Action Movement, Naa Adjeley Obeney in an interview said, 'I know this is a good initiative; as so many young people are sexually active and at such events, anything is possible, therefore, protection is the best. This exercise will reduce the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as well as, unwanted pregnancies. I will encourage service providers not to judge sexually active youth but rather educate them'. Naa who was enthusiastic about her experience of educating her peers concluded by stressing the fact that, 'Young people have the right information and needed that to make informed decisions.'
Both male and female condoms were distributed to sexually active youth who were present at Chale Wote festival. Opportunities were equally given for free counseling and testing for HIV and over one thousand people were reached with RH information and services.
The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is a platform that allows for a showcase of art, music, dance and performances on the street. It is also characterized by street paintings, graffiti murals, photo exhibitions, interactive installations, food and fashion stands, live street performances, extreme sports, African film shows, street boxing, a fashion parade, a music block party, recyclable design workshops and much more. It attracts numerous local and international participants to Jamestown, in Accra, where it has always taken place since its inception in 2011.
