Bafata 28 April 2022 -- Under the Youth Empowerment for Demographic Dividend (YE4DD) project, the United Nations Population Fund and the National Youth Institute, with funding from the Italian Government, conducted a training aimed at strengthening the capacity of members of youth networks in Guinea-Bissau to create an enabling environment to take advantage of the demographic dividend and social empowerment.

“We want the message about sexual reproductive health and rights to reach everyone, we expect these youths that they will be performing in their communities in areas such as markets and schools so that we should reach as many youths as we can.” Said Dr. Mamadu Queta, in representation of the National Youth Institute.

The training on Sexual and Reproductive Health was held in Bafata from 19 to 28 April 2022, and was attended by 60 young people from youth organizations in Bissau, Bafata and Gabu, in 2 sessions, divided into 5 days per training group, where problems and intervention strategies for young people were discussed.

At the closing ceremony, Ana Leonie, UNFPA Programme Officer for Youth and Adolescents said "We hope that this training has highlighted the important role that Sexual and Reproductive Health plays in young people's personal development as well as in the economic development of the country”. 

AAna continued by arguing that "by disseminating what they have learned here, they will give other young people the opportunity to make informed decisions about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and family planning, which will help them plan and achieve their life goals".

"Thus becoming empowered adults, thereby constituting a highly skilled workforce." She added.

On her part, one of the participants Magda Clode, applauded the initiative from UNFPA saying it has sharpened their skills which they will continue to use in their daily lives.

The Youth Empowerment for Demographic Dividend (YE4DD) uses the demographic dividend as a framework to increase investments in young people’s health, education, employment, equality and empowerment, and ensure a multi-sectoral approach that will make inclusive economic growth a reality in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry and Gambia.