Dr. Hosham Feriba, Program Officer, Adolescent RH and HIV/AIDS, Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA), spoke to JOICFP eNEWS during her participation in a JICA ASRH workshop on adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH), conducted by JOICFP in May and June .(Please refer to the article of "JOICFP ASRH seminar")

AFGA is a non-political, not-for-profit NGO founded in 1968. Operations were suspended from 1992 to 2002 because of conflict, and resumed with support from the IPPF, of which it is an associate member.

AFGA operates 12 family welfare centers in Kabul and three centers in each province, providing services of family planning, antenatal care, STI care, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

One of our most important activities is providing information and counseling at the Youth Information Center in Kabul, where trained counselors educate peer educators, and there is also a library for young people.

Later this year, we will open two more centers.

Dr. Hosham Feriba

The Japan family Planning Association clinic, with its youth-friendly services, was a wonderful example for me and gave me a vision for Afghanistan.

The sessions on peer education, and information about a 'peer room' will help us organize peer education and counseling at our new centers.

Partnership between GOs and NGOs is advanced here, and observing this gave me ideas to work with GOs in Aghanistan.

Tochigi Prefecture also showed collaboration with the community, counselors and volunteers.

I was also impressed with the IEC materials for peer counseling, such as Maggie Apron.