The Government of Ethiopia has adopted policies and strategies to address some of the social, economic, educational and health problems faced by young people. Currently, national programmes are guided by a 10-year plan which is based on the "National Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Strategy 2006-2015".

Other key documents indicating government's commitment include the Young People Policy issued in 2000, the Policy on HIV/AIDS launched in 1998, the Revised Family Laws amended in 2000 to protect young women' s rights, (for example against forced marriages), and the Revised Penal Code which penalizes sexual violence and many harmful traditional practices.

When developing and implementing interventions, you need to take individual differences into account. Even though many adolescents and young people share common characteristics, their needs may vary by age, sex, educational status, marital status and residence. When you design interventions, therefore, you need to appreciate these differences and work in different ways with different age groups. An activity that is suitable for those in early adolescence (10-14 years) may not work and be effective for those in post-adolescence (20-24 years).

For instance, those in their early adolescence are more likely to be in primary schools, not yet married and hence less likely to have started sexual relationships. The age group of the youth determines the type of information and services that would be appropriate for them. You need to give special attention to these vulnerable young adolescents (aged 10-14 years) and those at risk of irreversible harm to their reproductive health and rights (e.g. through forced sex, early marriage, poverty-driven exchanges of sex for gifts or money, and violence).

Last modified: Sunday, 26 February 2017, 5:26 PM