Written by:
Writer from African Impact volunteers
With only being in existence for the past seven months, the LETS program has already significantly impacted 3 of the largest communities in Livingstone: Linda, Dambwa, and Nakatindi, respectively.
The Gender Equality program educates adults and youth in local communities on sexual reproductive health. Through proven education and tools, these LETS sessions empower women, couples, and young people to make informed choices about their reproductive health and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Disrupting the cycle of poverty one bracelet at a time
Using the LETS bracelets, many have learned how to track their menstrual cycle and to know when they will be most fertile. This knowledge has empowered women to make informed decisions on when to have sex, depending on whether they want to start a family.
The education LETS provides helps students make positive choices about protecting themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and deciding when to have a baby – provided they can support their child.
Eagerness for knowledge
Several program members walk long distances to learn about reproductive health and teach their communities about it. The students are very enthusiastic, want to discuss these topics, and are incredibly willing to learn more.
Since the program’s inception in Livingstone, we have had over 90 participants graduate from the short training with certification.
LETS continue the impact
Our goal is to ensure that the program remains sustainable. We do this by building confidence and capacity in past members who are encouraged to assist in facilitating LETS sessions with our team in new program catchment areas and disseminating information in other communities.
An example of making a continuous impact is in the case of Moses, a former trainee under LETS in the Dambwa community.
Moses is now involved with a local clinic and teaches some lessons on contraception and tracking the menstrual cycle.
During a session where African Impact Foundation team asked him to assist, he engaged the class with detailed explanations, demonstrations, and a touch of humor.
The program takes a sustainable approach to help students feel comfortable and open when discussing sexual health, encouraging them to share what they have learned. It is important for students like Moses to get involved in teaching so that individuals are inspired to use their knowledge to educate their communities on reproductive health. The more people know about their bodies, the more they can look after themselves and make informed choices about their well-being.
