Meet AIM Grant Recipient: Centre for Youth of Hope

Earlier this year, Global Health Council awarded its second round of Advocacy in Motion (AIM) Grants to five civil society organizations. These grants are intended to support advocacy, advance health equity, and amplify the voices of local and regional organizations. This month’s blog features one of our winners, Centre for Youth of Hope (CEYOHO).

Based in Botswana, Centre for Youth of Hope (CEYOHO) works to enhance the quality of life for young people living with HIV by delivering comprehensive prevention strategies and steadfast support services. CEYOHO also supports the development of income generating activities by young people as a strategy to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS. We recently interviewed Kennedy Mupeli, Programme Officer at CEYOHO, to learn more about the organization’s work.

Can you tell us about your organization?

Centre for Youth of Hope (CEYOHO) was founded in 2002 as a non-profit organization focused on advancing health promotion among Botswana’s youth. Initially dedicated to HIV treatment and prevention, CEYOHO has expanded its services to include education and advocacy on holistic wellness and non-communicable diseases. This broadened scope of services demonstrates CEYOHO’s commitment to comprehensive health promotion for its member base and the broader community.

This year’s grant is focused on pandemic preparedness. What were some of the challenges your organization, and your community, encountered in facing past pandemics like COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CEYOHO faced significant challenges including disruptions to in-person support and educational activities due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. This hindered our ability to deliver hands-on support and face-to-face education, which are crucial for effective health promotion. Additionally, the pandemic exacerbated issues related to mental health and gender-based violence, presenting new complexities in our community engagements.

What do you think is missing from global pandemic preparedness planning efforts? What would you like to see changed, at the global, national, and local level?

Global pandemic preparedness often overlooks the unique perspectives and needs of youth, particularly youth living in low- and middle-income countries. At the global and national levels, there is a need for more inclusive planning that integrates youth voices in decision-making processes. Locally, there should be an emphasis on establishing robust mechanisms that facilitate the active participation of young people in pandemic preparedness and response strategies, ensuring that these plans are responsive to their specific vulnerabilities and capacities.

What is the biggest challenge your organization is facing today?

The biggest challenge CEYOHO faces today is maintaining sustainable funding and support to continue and expand our advocacy and education programs, especially in a landscape where global and local attention shifts rapidly between many different health crises.

What are you currently doing to overcome these challenges? What help do you need to overcome them?

To overcome these challenges, CEYOHO is actively seeking partnerships and funding opportunities like the AIM Grant to ensure continuity and expansion of our programs. We are also enhancing our digital platforms to continue our advocacy and education efforts virtually when in-person engagements are not feasible. Continued financial support and strategic partnerships are crucial to sustain and grow our initiatives.

How are you hoping the AIM Grant will help your organization?

The AIM Grant will be instrumental in bridging the gap in pandemic preparedness for Botswana’s youth. It will enable us to develop and execute a targeted advocacy plan, organize forums for inclusive dialogue, create and distribute engaging educational materials, and establish a youth-led PPPR network. This support will empower young leaders and bolster our capacity to influence health policies effectively.

What is the most important message you want to give to global health decision-makers about pandemic preparedness?

Our most important message to global health decision-makers is to ensure that pandemic preparedness strategies are inclusively designed and implemented. Young people should be at the forefront of these plans, not only as beneficiaries but as active contributors and leaders in shaping health policies that are robust, equitable, and responsive to diverse community needs.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

CEYOHO is committed to continuing its advocacy and educational efforts beyond the lifecycle of any single grant. We aim to establish a lasting impact that transcends our immediate activities and contributes to a healthier, more resilient future for the youth of Botswana.