After-School Approach
Our After-School program is a comprehensive, four-year, group-based journey for adolescents aged 10–19, designed to support them through one of the most formative and vulnerable phases of life. This transformative approach combines health education, life skills, mental well-being, civic leadership and vocational empowerment, creating not only informed young people, but confident and compassionate changemakers.
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Grounded in the belief that health is not just the absence of disease, but the presence of dignity, opportunity, and supportive relationships, the approach meets adolescents where they are, developmentally, emotionally and socially. Whether in school or out-of-school due to early pregnancy, poverty, or other challenges, every adolescent is included. Through small, age-based peer groups (12–20 participants), young people gather in safe community spaces after school and on weekends to learn, grow and build their futures together. Year by year, they move through a structured pathway toward graduation, gaining the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to thrive and lead in their communities.
Group Formation and Structure
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Adolescents are organized into peer groups of 12–20 members, formed by age, maturity level and community proximity.
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Groups are mixed to include in-school and out-of-school adolescents, with flexibility to accommodate teen mothers and working youth.
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Each group meets once a week after school or on weekends, led by a CHW or trained Peer Facilitator.
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Groups develop unique identities (names, mottos, roles) and progress together through the full four-year cycle.
Year 1: Awareness and Identity (Ages 10–12)
We focus on building trust, safety and self-understanding.
Key Activities:
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Introduction to puberty, hygiene, emotional health and personal safety
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Basics of SRHR, friendships, values and self-esteem
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Games, drama and creative arts to express identity and emotions
The group is a gentle space for discovery and voice-building, laying the emotional and knowledge foundation for what is ahead. The adolescents recognize their self-worth, understand physical and emotional changes and feel safe and connected within their peer group.
Year 2: Knowledge and Choices (Ages 13–14)
We focus on expanding health literacy, relationships and decision-making.
Key Activities:
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Menstrual health, contraception, HIV/STI prevention and consent
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Nutrition, substance abuse prevention and mental health awareness
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Problem-solving, peer influence, digital safety and body image
The group acts as an active learning unit for adolescents to question, discuss and support one another in navigating adolescence.
The adolescents are equipped with accurate, age-appropriate information and begin practicing responsible decision-making and empathy.
Year 3: Leadership and Expression (Ages 15–16)
We focus on developing voice, advocacy and peer mentorship.
Key Activities:
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Youth-led awareness campaigns, community mobilization
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Public speaking, debate, peer counseling
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Mental health deep dive: stress, trauma, resilience, coping tools
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Begin mentoring Year 1 and 2 participants
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Adolescent-led team driving change in their community and helping others navigate their own journeys.
Adolescents demonstrate leadership, initiate social impact activities and support peers through facilitation and mentorship.
Year 4: Transition & Empowerment (Ages 17–19)
In this year, we focus on career readiness, innovation, and lifelong agency.
Key Activities:
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Entrepreneurship, digital skills, agriculture, tailoring, crafts
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CV writing, interview prep, job shadowing and seed-funded group projects
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Alumni mentorship, graduation project and farewell showcase
The final-year cohort prepares the adolescents for transition, they serve as program ambassadors and build legacy projects.
Graduates are equipped for business, continued learning or community leadership and leave with a certificate and a support network.
Cross-Cutting Features (All Years)
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Access to youth-friendly Sexual Reproductive Health and mental health referrals
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Regular parental/caregiver forums to foster family support
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Quarterly safe-space events
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Community engagement with local leaders, churches and mentors
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Monitoring and evaluation tools to track progress, growth, and impact
