By Lemuella Tarawalllie
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Sierra Leone, through its Community Power Voices team, has successfully concluded a one-week school tour aimed at engaging adolescent boys and girls on critical health and life issues.
The initiative, held under the theme Building Our Best Selves for a Brighter Future, reached several key schools in Freetown, including Freetown Secondary School for Girls, Government Rokel Secondary School, Government Model Secondary School, Government Technical Secondary School, and St Joseph Convent Secondary School.
During the engagements, Community Power Voices representatives presented key national statistics to help students understand the realities facing young people. They revealed that about 1.0 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 in Sierra Leone are living with HIV, with a higher prevalence among young women at 1.5 percent compared to 0.5 percent among young men.
On teenage pregnancy, the team noted that 21 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing. They further highlighted that 19 percent of young women and 7 percent of young men had sexual intercourse before the age of 15, while 71 percent of young women and 47 percent of young men reported sexual debut before age 18. In rural areas, the situation is more concerning, with 82 percent of young women engaging in sex before age 18 compared to 51 percent in urban areas.
Facilitators also raised awareness on drug abuse, stressing the dangers of illicit substances and their long-term effects on both physical and mental health. Students were encouraged to make informed decisions and avoid risky behaviours that could affect their future.
In addition, sessions on sexual health and rights emphasized the importance of protection from abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections, while promoting access to accurate information and support services.
Beyond health education, the team promoted essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, reminding students that education goes beyond the classroom and plays a vital role in shaping responsible and confident individuals.
Community Power Voices representatives described the tour as impactful and necessary, noting that empowering young people with knowledge and practical skills is key to building a healthier and more responsible society.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continue reaching more schools across Sierra Leone, ensuring that young people are informed, protected, and inspired to make better choices for a brighter future.
