Training Youth in Burundi on Sexual and Reproductive Health: Grace’s Key to Knowledge and a Better Future 

The Critical Need for Youth-Centered Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 

In Burundi’s Ngozi province, the Burundians Responding Against Violence and Inequality (BRAVI) project, funded by USAID and implemented by EngenderHealth, brought life-changing SRH knowledge directly to adolescents and youth through dynamic and engaging school-based programs. 

The Power to Transform Lives

Grace Irakoze is one of the many young people whose lives were transformed by BRAVI’s SRH training program. Alongside students from 20 other schools across five health municipalities, Grace took part in local workshops designed to equip youth with vital knowledge on reproductive health, sexual health and rights, and HIV prevention.  

These schools were carefully chosen based on key factors, such as proximity to health centers, the presence of youth-friendly health centers, and high rates of unintended pregnancies in the community. For Grace, the experience with BRAVI was eye-opening and helped her plan for her future. 

Breaking Through Myths and Misunderstandings 

“In the past, I never had the opportunity to receive information related to sexual and reproductive health and rights,” Grace admitted. “I thought these services were for married women who needed family planning for birth spacing — but I never considered that it could be helpful to a young person like me.” 

The lack of SRH education in her community had affected her: 

“Too often, I engaged in situations where I might have been unsafe, unaware of my rights, or the dangers and risks to my body.” 

Taking Charge of Her Health—and Her Future 

It wasn’t until a friend introduced her to the school’s health club —and subsequently the BRAVI training—that Grace’s outlook began to change:

“During the training, we exchanged information on different subjects related to SRH. This progressively sharpened my awareness so much that at the end of this training, I realized how important these topics were to my own health.” 

With newfound knowledge and determination, Grace took immediate action. “The first thing I did was get tested for HIV. The tests came back negative. When I learned that I was in good health, you cannot imagine how happy I was when I heard this good news.” 

Grace now sees sexual and reproductive health in a completely new light. “Today, my peers and I understand that SRH is about much more than just birth spacing. It includes HIV/AIDS testing, menstrual hygiene management, STI prevention, and so much more.” 

Creating Ripple Effects in the Community 

Empowered by the training, Grace and her fellow club members have become advocates themselves—spreading awareness not only within their schools but also throughout the wider community. “Thanks to BRAVI, we now have the knowledge and tools to sensitize our school peers about sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence,” she said with pride. 

Through ongoing collaboration with youth-friendly health centers, these young advocates are helping to build a culture of informed decision-making and responsible sexual behavior—laying the groundwork for healthier, more empowered generations in the future. 

Programs like BRAVI’s are essential. They tackle the root causes of high drop-out rates linked to unintended pregnancies and support young people to make informed, confident decisions about their bodies, their health, and their future. When we invest in the sexual and reproductive health of young people, we are investing in a stronger, brighter future for all.