Moffat Mungazi
Hazel Chitepo
Post Reporter
IN a bid to address the health and social challenges faced by young people, Action for Youth Foundation Trust has launched an innovative Youth2Youth platform which provides safe space for youths to discuss real time issues, access accurate information and peer support.
The platform which has already reached 5 000 youths, is harnessing the power of digital communication to provide a safe, supportive environment for young people to discuss pressing challenges, access accurate information and receive peer support.
Action Youth Foundation Trust, executive director, Mr Marvin Musekiwa said the platform revolves around the peer-to-peer model, fosters trust, openness, and sense of commitment to youth leadership.
“Action for Youth Foundation Trust continues to break new ground in empowering young people, creating a space where they can discuss the real-time challenges they face and work towards building better futures. Through its innovative initiative, the Youth2Youth platform, is harnessing the power of digital communication to reach, engage, and inform thousands of youths across diverse backgrounds.
“Launched as a WhatsApp-based group, the Youth2Youth Platform provides a unique space for young people to come together, share their experiences, and engage in important conversations on topics such as STI prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), advocacy, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, and more.
‘‘By leveraging the widespread use of mobile technology, the platform allows for immediate, real-time interaction, making it easier for youths to access accurate information, resources, and peer support.
“The platform is not just for youths — it is led by them. Young people from various communities and backgrounds take charge of facilitating discussions, driving topics of conversation, and offering their perspectives on crucial issues.
‘‘This peer-to-peer model fosters an environment of trust and openness, where participants feel safe sharing their challenges and seeking advice from others who truly understand their circumstances.
‘‘It also provides youth with leadership opportunities and the ability to influence positive change within their communities,” he said.
Mr Musekiwa added: “This incredible reach has allowed the foundation to tackle some of the most pressing health and social challenges affecting youth today.
‘‘Topics such as HIV/STI prevention, SRHR, and TB and HIV are critical to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of young people.
‘‘By encouraging discussions on these subjects, the platform has played a significant role in raising awareness, debunking myths, and promoting positive behavioural change among its members.”
