Nestled along the West African coast, Guinea-Bissau is a country brimming with vibrant culture and youthful energy. This lively nation holds immense potential, especially among its young people. While access to sexual and reproductive health information has been limited, and deeply ingrained social norms have presented challenges, there's a growing momentum to empower youth and unlock their full potential.

There is recognition that addressing the plight of young people is vital to the achievement of long-term sustainable development. The critical role that young people are playing in economic development is fully demonstrated. However, the well-being and positive development of young people requires policies and programs that address the “whole person”, take the entire life-course of the young person into account and pay close attention both to the context in which young people live and to respect, protect and promote their rights.

But every summer, a transformation takes place. As schools close their doors, a wave of excitement sweeps through the nation as youth organizations, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), prepare for their annual summer camps. These aren't typical summer getaways filled with swimming and campfires; they are safe havens where young people discover their voices, challenge harmful traditions, and build a brighter future.

For Mariama, a timid 25-year-old girl, the camp was a revelation. "Before, I was so scared," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know anything about my own body." Like many girls in her community, Mariama was shrouded in unawareness about sexual and reproductive health, a taboo subject rarely discussed openly.

At the camp, Mariama found a supportive community where she could finally ask questions and learn without shame. Through interactive workshops and open dialogues, she gained knowledge about Human rights, pregnancy, Sexually Transmissible Diseases and her rights as a young woman. "Now I feel empowered," she declared, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence.

Camps for Change

The camps are more than just educational platforms; they are spaces where friendships blossom and lifelong bonds are formed. Young people from diverse backgrounds come together, sharing their experiences and dreams, and realizing they are not alone in their struggles.

Ana, a 23-year-old participant, echoed Mariama's sentiments. "I used to think I had no choice but to follow the path laid out for me," she shared. "But here, I learned that I have the right to say no, to pursue my dreams." The camp ignited a fire within her, empowering her to challenge the expectations of early marriage and chart her own course.

The impact of these UNFPA-supported camps extends far beyond the summer months. Participants return to their communities as agents of change, armed with knowledge and confidence to challenge harmful norms and advocate for their rights. They become peer educators, sharing what they've learned with friends and family, creating a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.

These summer camps are not just a temporary escape from reality; they are crucibles of empowerment, shaping a generation of informed, confident, and resilient young leaders. They are a testament to the power of investing in youth, providing them with the tools and support they need to break down barriers and build a future where every young person can thrive.

As the sun sets on another summer in Guinea-Bissau, the echoes of laughter and learning linger in the air. The seeds of change have been sown, and a new generation is rising, ready to shape a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their country.

This initiative, Co-funded by the Italian government under the "Youth Health Enhancement to harness the Demographic Dividend (YE4DD)" project and the Peacebuilding fund (PBF) project entitled "Inclusive policies and institutions for a peaceful society: strengthening the social fabric and fostering youth meaningful participation in decision-making in Guinea-Bissau", demonstrates that UNFPA's commitment to youth empowerment is unwavering. By investing in these summer camps, UNFPA is not only providing young people with a memorable summer experience, but also planting the seeds for a brighter, more equitable future. In the words of one camp participant, "This camp changed my life. It showed me that I have the power to make a difference, and that my voice matters."