Empowering Learners Through Education, Awareness and Leadership
The Youth in Schools Programme is one of the flagship initiatives of Teenagers and Youth Health of South Africa (TYHSA), designed to support the holistic development, wellbeing, and empowerment of learners in schools. Through this programme, TYHSA works directly with schools to address the social, health, and developmental challenges affecting young people while creating safe and supportive learning environments.
Since its establishment, TYHSA has partnered with and supported more than 100 schools, reaching an estimated over 900,000 learners through school-based awareness campaigns, educational dialogues, health promotion activities, leadership development sessions, and community engagement initiatives. The programme has primarily focused on schools within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, while also extending support to schools in other districts and communities when opportunities arise.
Recognising that schools are critical platforms for learning, growth, and social development, TYHSA collaborates closely with school management teams, educators, learner leadership structures, parents, government departments, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to ensure that learners receive relevant information, support, and opportunities to thrive.
Our Approach
The programme utilizes a participatory and learner-centred approach that encourages active engagement, open dialogue, and peer learning. TYHSA facilitators visit schools to conduct educational sessions, awareness campaigns, motivational talks, workshops, assemblies, and interactive discussions that empower learners to make informed decisions about their health, education, and future.
We create safe spaces where learners can openly discuss issues affecting their lives, ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance from trained facilitators and professionals. These engagements help to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and promote positive behavioural change among young people.
Areas of Focus
The Youth in Schools Programme addresses a wide range of issues affecting learners, including:
HIV and AIDS Awareness
Providing accurate information on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, stigma reduction, and healthy lifestyles to help learners make informed choices and reduce new infections.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Education
Educating learners on sexual and reproductive health, teenage pregnancy prevention, healthy relationships, consent, and access to youth-friendly health services.
Gender-Based Violence Prevention
Raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence, bullying, sexual harassment, child protection, and gender equality while promoting safer school environments.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Encouraging positive mental health practices, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, stress management, and access to psychosocial support services.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Educating learners about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Leadership and Life Skills Development
Equipping learners with leadership skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, goal-setting techniques, and personal development tools that prepare them for future success.
Human Rights and Social Justice
Promoting awareness of constitutional rights, responsibilities, diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion among young people.
Key Activities
The programme implements various activities throughout the year, including:
- School awareness campaigns
- Educational dialogues and learner discussions
- School assemblies and motivational talks
- Leadership and life skills workshops
- Career guidance and future planning sessions
- HIV, TB and SRHR education programmes
- Gender-Based Violence prevention campaigns
- Mental health awareness activities
- Peer education initiatives
- Health commemorative events
- Parent and community engagement sessions
- Referral and support services for learners
Partnerships and Collaboration
TYHSA works closely with schools, the Department of Basic Education, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, local municipalities, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and community stakeholders to strengthen support systems for learners and improve educational and health outcomes.
Through these partnerships, the programme is able to connect learners with essential services, provide relevant educational resources, and ensure a coordinated response to challenges affecting young people.
Impact
Over the years, the Youth in Schools Programme has contributed significantly to improving awareness, knowledge, and access to information among learners. By reaching more than 900,000 learners and engaging with over 100 schools, TYHSA has helped young people gain the confidence, knowledge, and life skills needed to make positive choices, stay healthy, remain in school, and pursue their aspirations.
The programme continues to serve as a powerful platform for empowering young people, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation of leaders across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
Our Vision
To create informed, healthy, confident, and empowered learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to become active citizens and future leaders in their communities.