The i-BreakFree Project, is funded by The Global Fund through the Ministry of Health and Social Services over a three-year cycle of 2024 to 2026. The project operates exclusively in hard-to-reach areas of the Omusati and Ohangwena regions, providing Sexual Reproductive Health education, with a primary focus on HIV prevention for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 15 – 24.
The project aims to empower AGYW who are at high risk of HIV infection with sexual and reproductive health information and linkage to services including but not limited to HTS, PrEP, PEP, GBV services, FP, Cancer screening, PSS, Counselling, Legal services and economic empowerment initiatives in the hard to reach areas of Ohangwena and Omusati regions.
Our Key Interventions
HIV Prevention Package
i-BreakFree offers a comprehensive HIV Prevention Package designed to increase awareness, accessibility, and the uptake of vital health and non-health services. We conduct peer-to-peer information sharing sessions aimed at educating young people about HIV transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of regular HIV testing.
The objective is to empower young people through health education, support, and accessible healthcare services, ultimately reducing the rates of new HIV infections. We believe that informed young people can make informed health decisions, leading to a more vibrant and resilient community.
Risk Assessment and Referrals
The i-BreakFree Project is dedicated to enhancing the health and safety of young people through comprehensive risk screening and timely referral to relevant services. This initiative primarily focuses on HIV and STI screening, as well as Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Confidentiality and privacy are ensured during screening sessions to allow AGYW to discuss their reproductive health concerns without fear of judgment. Screening helps identify those at risk to ensure that they receive appropriate health and non-health services.
Condom Distribution
Our primary message encourages young people to abstain from sexual activity until they are mature enough to negotiate safe sex. However, condom distribution remains a vital part of our efforts to promote safe sex practices and reduce the risk of HIV transmission among sexually active youth.
A total of 26,182 male condoms were distributed to Adolescent Girls and Young Women, and their sexual partners.
Teen Mothers and Fathers Clubs
Teenage pregnancy and parenthood can pose significant challenges for young parents, including social stigma, limited access to education and employment opportunities, financial strain, and a lack of support networks. The Teen Mothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs are designed to meet the unique needs of young parents by providing safe spaces where they can come together, share experiences, receive economic and psychosocial support, access resources, and engage in activities that promote their well-being, parenting skills, and social inclusion.
A total of six Teen Mothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs have been established and meet every second month. The project currently runs three Clubs in the Omusati Region and three in the Ohangwena Region
Economic Empowerment
The project offers training initiatives aimed at equipping vulnerable AGYW and ABYM with essential business skills and entrepreneurship knowledge. These seminars provide participants with practical training, guidance, and resources to start or improve their businesses, thereby enhancing their economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities.
Additionally, eligible AGYW and ABYM are trained on AflaYouth, a program or curriculum designed to enhance economic resilience, with the intention to implement the Siyakha model.
The Siyakha model focuses on building economic empowerment and resilience among young people, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their livelihoods and economic prospects.
The project is also conducting a mapping exercise of existing Youth Credit Schemes which link s young people to financial mechanisms or programs specifically designed to provide credit, loans, or financial assistance to young people, typically aimed at supporting their entrepreneurial ventures, education, or other income-generating activities.
