On 25th and 26th January, JOICFP took part in a planning meeting for a UNFPA-supported Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Regional Project, "Expansion of Quality Adolescent SRH Information and Services Adequate for Underserved Young People" (RLA5R205).

Representatives from UNFPA LAC Division, UNFPA CST, UNFPA Ecuador, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Peru, MEXFAM, including youth representatives, and other youth organizations took part.

The project aims to address the needs of youth in rural areas and mid-size cities, and includes training for youth volunteers. A generic guideline for ASRH services and information is one of the expected outcomes.

The meeting-

• Provided orientation to the project
• Shared information and experience on existing policy and programs, and existing materials with regards to ASRH
• Confirmed the overall project framework, including youth participation.

This last item is important as this is the first ASRH in LAC project to include youth in all of its stages.

During the meeting, JOICFP explained its activities and approach, and discussions included how youth can be involved in ASRH programs, and how to integrate the regional project with existing country programs.

During the planning meeting

Future plans

In February and March 2006, a behavior study will be conducted and in May, the first regional meeting will be held, utilizing information gathered in the behavior study.

JOICFP will facilitate the process of selection of counterparts and project sites at the country level.