About Youth Action Movement Botswana
What is YAM.
It stands for Youth Action Movement, a youth wing under Botswana Family Welfare Association, managed by the Youth Office. It caters for adolescents and young people aged between 10-25 years, with 25 years being the transition year for into mentorship role. YAM has a governing structure of leaders that account to the rest of the members.
Goal of YAM
To be a model of meaningful youth participation which empowers young people in Botswana to become SRHR advocates and active equal partners in improving decision making within varied levels of BOFWA and IPPFAR.
Objectives of YAM
- To create a safe space for all young people to express themselves as active participants and decision-makers, and to feel their voices are heard.
- To build and strengthen leadership capacities among young people in Botswana and within BOFWA and broader IPPF.
- To promote equal partnership between young people and adults at regional, sub- regional and country levels.
- To promote sharing of best practices on adolescent and youth SRH in Africa.
- To create a strong network of young people that can support the acceleration of IPPF’s adolescent and youth agenda in the Africa region.
- To enhance meaningful participation, empowerment and representation of young people at global, regional and country levels. This is expected to be done within IPPF but also externally; on various advocacy and decision-making platforms concerning young people’s SRHR and development.
- To assist in the effective implementation of the IPPFAR’s youth policies and strategies in the respective MAs.
- To serve as a trusted youth voice for SRHR advancement at country, regional and sub-regional levels
YAM Focus Areas.
YAM Programmes.
Comprehensive Sexual Education training.
YAM is dedicated to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) ...
Leadership & Advocacy Mentorship.
YAM is committed to empowering young people to become strong leaders and advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Through structured mentorship programs ...
Young Health Podcast
The Young Health Podcast is a dynamic platform where young people engage in open, relatable, and insightful conversations about health and social challenges, sharing practical ways to navigate them. Designed by young people, for young people ...
YAM PROGRAMMES
Comprehensive Sexual Education training
YAM is dedicated to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health through Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). CSE is a rights-based and age-appropriate approach to sexuality education that covers a wide range of topics, including human development, relationships, gender, sexual orientation, consent, reproductive health, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Through peer-to-peer online and in-person CSE training, YAM ensures that young people receive accurate, culturally relevant, and non-judgmental information. These trainings follow a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) model, where selected young leaders are empowered with the skills to educate their peers, ensuring a ripple effect that expands the reach of CSE in communities.
Who we do CSE
Empowers Young People
CSE helps adolescents and youth develop critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and confidence to navigate relationships and make responsible choices.
Promotes Safe & Healthy Behaviors
Evidence shows that access to quality CSE delays sexual initiation, reduces unintended pregnancies, and lowers STI and HIV rates.
Addresses Myths & Misconceptions
Misinformation about SRHR is widespread; CSE provides scientifically accurate knowledge, helping young people differentiate facts from myths.
Encourages Gender Equality & Respect
CSE fosters mutual respect, consent, and non-discrimination, contributing to the prevention of gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Bridges Gaps in SRHR Access
Many young people lack access to reproductive health services due to stigma or policy barriers. CSE links education with available services, ensuring youth can access the care they need.
Leadership & Advocacy Mentorship
YAM is committed to empowering young people to become strong leaders and advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Through structured mentorship programs, YAM nurtures the next generation of youth leaders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to drive change at local, national, and regional levels.
Who we do Leadership & Advocacy Mentorship
Capacity Building
YAM provides training in public speaking, policy engagement, strategic communication, and grassroots mobilization to help young people become effective advocates for SRHR.
Mentorship by Experts & Peers
Young leaders are paired with seasoned advocates, policymakers, and professionals who provide guidance, share insights, and support their personal and professional growth.
Engagement in Decision-Making
YAM ensures that young people have a seat at the table in governance and policy discussions, amplifying youth voices in shaping SRHR policies and programs.
Campaign & Movement Building
Youth are trained on how to design, implement, and sustain advocacy campaigns that challenge stigma, influence policy change, and promote youth-friendly SRHR services.
Networking & Collaboration
YAM creates opportunities for young leaders to connect with national, regional and global advocacy networks, expanding their influence and impact.
Young Health Podcast
The Young Health Podcast is a dynamic platform where young people engage in open, relatable, and insightful conversations about health and social challenges, sharing practical ways to navigate them. Designed by young people, for young people, the podcast ensures discussions remain fun, engaging, and relevant to youth audiences.
As part of Youth Action Movement (YAM) Botswana’s commitment to digitalizing SRHR services, the podcast is fully led, filmed, edited, and managed by youth, with support from Youth Office. This approach not only amplifies young voices but also builds media and advocacy skills among youth leaders.
Why we have the Podcast
In Botswana, where access to youth-friendly SRHR information can be limited, the Young Health Podcast serves as an innovative and accessible tool to educate and empower. It allows young people to take charge of their narratives, break taboos, and advocate for change while reaching peers in a space where they feel comfortable. The podcast helps bridge information gaps, foster peer-to-peer learning, and create a supportive community for open dialogue on health and social issues affecting young people today
SUPPORTING PROGRAMMES BY YAM
- Petals Project
- Dual Protection Campaign
- MHealth