New programme empowers youth in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve
Safe Spaces offer free and inclusive health options to young residents.
An innovative initiative has been implemented in the north of Pretoria communities of Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve to offer comprehensive and easily accessible sexual and reproductive health services through My Journey.
This new programme, called My Journey, targets the age group between 15 and 24 years and aids them with knowledge for health and well-being.
My Journey was implemented by the Networking HIV & Aids Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA) and community partner MIET Africa to offer various services that fit each young person’s health needs and lifestyle.
The services include friendly advice, HIV tests, PrEP (HIV prevention medication), contraceptives, and other forms of protection.
My Journey programme manager, Colleen Wagner emphasised the importance of creating a judgment-free zone where young people can take control of their sexual health.
“Sexual health can be a worry for many, and the traditional process of visiting a clinic can often be intimidating,” she said.
She added that safe spaces provide an environment where young individuals can practice self-care and make informed choices about HIV prevention and family planning.
My Journey provides PrEP Rings
One of the latest additions to the programme’s protection basket is the monthly vaginal PrEP Ring, specifically available to women over the age of 18.
Wagner said the discreet and effective nature of the PrEP Ring allows residents to take their own safety onto themselves.
“By allowing women to insert the ring themselves, there is a sense of ownership and empowerment,” she said.
“You can also choose to cycle on and off or switch prevention methods. With the PrEP Ring, you only need to change it once a month, ensuring constant protection.”
The programme is held at centres called Safe Spaces to provide a versatile environment for young people to address social, physical, mental, and sexual health issues.
Beyond HIV prevention and sexual health, residents can be provided with support in education, careers, and other aspects of life.
Residents can also benefit from various services, such as HIV testing, access to PrEP options, and information about gender-based violence, in these safe spaces.
MIET Africa’s Mpho Mtebese said that safe spaces are cool areas where young people may use computers or receive guidance and support on all aspects of their lives.
The programme also offers other services
Other services offered at these safe spaces include administrative matters like referrals for childcare grants and obtaining an ID card.
Wagner urged residents to visit myjourney.org.za to find their nearest safe space and access the protection and choices that work best for them.
Gosiame Thobane, a community educator and My Journey influencer shared her perspective on the importance of safe spaces.
“To me, a safe space represents a place of safety where I can confidentially share information about myself with someone I trust,” she said.
She also explained that it is a reliable place a person can turn to in times of need.
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