Although the project has evolved slightly through its four phases, organisers say that in general it was designed and is implemented to promote health behaviours among young people, enhance the policy environment for adolescent reproductive health, and improve the capacity of youth-servicing organisations to support reproductive health activities. The project is currently in its fourth phase. Collaborators hope that the Listen Up! project will enable young people to:

• learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
• engage in dialogue among themselves, and with parents or guardians, to discuss the issues of healthy reproductive behaviour and sexual responsibility;
• adopt risk-reducing behaviours (i.e., abstinence, fewer sex partners, consistent condom use, and the use of HIV/AIDS counselling and testing services);
• increase their knowledge of family planning and reproductive health services offered in their communities and understand how to use these services/products to prevent unwanted pregnancies; and
• seek clinical care and counselling for reproductive health needs

The objectives of Phase I (2000-2003) were to address reproductive health information and services available to youth and promote positive policies through public education and advocacy. The main activities in this phase included baseline research to establish existing knowledge; the broadcast a 78-episode 30-minute radio variety show that aired weekly on regional and state radio stations; the formation of listeners clubs to engage youth around the radio show; and monthly roadshows that set up an afternoon of entertainment and information for young people. This phase also included the development of an Advocacy Action Kit to be used with community and religious leaders; and sponsoring local and international training workshops to equip youth service organisations to provide youth friendly services. This phase also involved an additional series of capacity building activities including radio programme design workshops, scriptwriters training, and training on using the Advocacy Action Kit.

In Phase II (2003-2005) the objectives were similar to those of phase one, but also included the promotion of early reproductive health decision making. During this phase a second, 52-episode production of the radio variety show was broadcast, and the listeners clubs, which increased in number, continued to be supported. In addition, youth members were challenged to take on leadership roles for adolescent reproductive health in their communities. This phase also saw the production of an enter-educate feature video, Akwai Mafita! (There is a way out), along with a companion discussion guide. Advocacy events included rallies, school shows and sensitisation lectures. Training in provision of youth friendly health services also continued.

Phase III (2005-2007) continued to build on the previous phases, but with renewed emphasis on training health service providers to be even more welcoming to clients – youth and adults alike. In this phase, 39 more episodes of the weekly radio variety show were produced, with client empowerment as a major theme. There was additional emphasis on the participation and monitoring of listener's clubs via youth service organisations. A discussion guide was also developed in Hausa for use in the clubs, as well as feedback and suggestion forms. The Ku Saurara team used this phase to promote the Akwai Mafita video via screenings in large cinemas followed by a facilitated discussion. This phase also marked the development of additional materials produced in both English and Hausa; a needs assessment for clinical care; training of health services providers; and stakeholder capacity building.

Phase IV (2007-2009) will integrate methods and lessons learned from the previous phases to continue to increase young people's use of reproductive health services, and strengthen complementary attitudes and outreach among providers and youth service organisations. The project will also scale up its programming by expanding into Jigawa state. In this phase, the project will continue to promote the existing 169 episodes of the radio variety show, as well as develop 12 additional episodes. In addition, the team will record and produce segments directly from listeners clubs, community leaders, and role models that can be run as spots during the week to promote the programme. A sequel to the film Akwai Mafita will be produced during this phase, along with a second facilitator's guide. The team will also develop a specific toolkit around adolescent reproductive health that will include posters, pamphlets, copies of the video, CDs, radio programmes and discussion guides, reference materials, and clinical information. KS plans to adapt material from an Egyptian project, Mabrouk!, which focuses on the needs of newlyweds. In addition, advocacy as well as training of youth friendly service providers will continue.

To download the various materials developed throughout the project, visit the Ku Saurara! page on the JHU/CCP website.

Youth, Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS