12 August 2024 – On the occasion of International Youth Day, Students And Youth Working on reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) proudly commemorate over 20 years of championing the public health and educational rights of young people in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Celebrated under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” SAYWHAT recognizes young people’s potential to adopt digital innovations to accelerate theirs and their peer’s health and wellbeing (SDG3) and access to quality education (SDG4). By leveraging technologies to address health and education challenges, young people can lead the charge in digital adoption and make significant strides towards achieving the 2030 agenda.

Digital information systems and platforms are improving dissemination of health information, raising awareness about preventative measures, leading to early diagnosis and treatment. The intensification of digitalization is also increasing global health literacy, empowering communities with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. As a result, individuals understand their symptoms, know when to seek for medical help, and are aware of preventative measures. Additionally, by providing remote consultations, counselling services, and peer-to-peer support, digital technologies are providing the much-needed mental health support among the youth where a rise in suicides is constantly being observed.

As we commemorate International Youth Day, it is crucial to recognize that empowering youth to harness technology and create sustainable health and education solutions will increase their confidence in managing their well-being and advocating for their needs.

While digital technologies offer immense potential for sustainable development, many young people may not be fully aware of the potential of digital technologies. Moreover, they can get distracted by more entertaining aspects of digitalization. The constant stream of content on social media platforms can make it difficult to focus productive uses of technology and without proper guidance and education, young people might not see the value of digital tools. Young people follow trends set by their peers, which can lead to prioritizing fun digital activities. Social media and gaming provide instant gratification which can be appealing than long term benefits of using digital tools for learning or development. Entertainment applications are also user-friendly and accessible compared to educational and developmental platforms.

SAYWHAT is therefore, appealing to the Zimbabwean government and all authorities in Africa to prioritize educating young people about the benefits of technologies beyond entertainment. Teaching young people to balance fun and productive activities, providing digital content that captures their interest will contribute towards ensuring youth have necessary skills to leverage digital technologies effectively.

SAYWHAT takes this opportunity to remind stakeholders including government, educational bodies, and civil society, to celebrate young innovators who are using technology to make a positive impact. Introducing young people who use digital technology demonstrates feasibility, value, and can inspire others to follow similar paths. Engaging youth in decision-making processes related to digital technologies will inspire confidence and creativity. Recognizing upcoming digital innovators, connecting them with experienced professionals, offering financial aids, training and mentorship programs will develop youth skills and enable them to navigate the challenges of implementing digital solutions for sustainable development.

As a youth-led organization, SAYWHAT firmly upholds its commitment to empower students and youth, enhance their capacity to harness technologies, and create sustainable solutions to the health and education challenges of their time. For International Youth Day 2024, SAYWHAT is supporting the 2023 cohort of its CHASE competition to launch their digital SRH and GBV products – a short film titled CHOICES 2. A series of digital soundtracks will be released leading up to the official commemoration and launch of the sequel to CHOICES on the 23^rd of August at SK Joina City showcasing youth digital solution for SDG3 acceleration.

In addition to celebrating the digital contributions of youth, inspiring further innovations, and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development; SAYWHAT advocates for the rights for the underserved communities to access digital technologies. We acknowledge the digitalization disparities in remote and underserved communities where economic barriers, lack of digital devices, and lack of reliable internet connectivity prevent youths from participating in the digital world. Recognizing that schools in remote areas lack resources to integrate digital technologies into the curricula leaving students at a disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.

On this International Youth Day, we call upon African governments to create policies that prioritizes digital inclusion. We call upon development organizations and private sector to invest in expanding internet infrastructure to ensure reliable internet connectivity in remote areas. We firmly believe that every young person, irrespective of circumstances deserves to thrive and contribute to sustainable development in a more equitable and digital landscape. We firmly uphold our commitment to ensure digital health platforms are accessible to the youth.  Together we can ensure youths can use digital technology as a tool for transformation towards sustainability.

The SAYWHAT Smart Learners Hub an interactive SRH online course is equipped with quizzes and videos ensuring young people can learn about their reproductive health and rights in a more engaging and relatable way that can lead to better retention of information and more proactive health behaviours. The SAYWHAT toll-free 577 offer young people health information, counselling services, and referral pathways to service providers bridging the gap for individuals in remote areas where access to health information and services is often scarce. SAYWHAT remains unwavering in our commitment to provide the right digital tools to young people allowing them to contribute actively to building an inclusive future.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

[Isabella Michael]

[Communications, Advocacy and Media Lead]

[isabella@saywhat.org.zw]

[+263 78 270 2887]