AUNTIE STELLA
A new web-based resource for adolescent reproductive health

The Training and Research Support Centre (TARSC) based in Harare, Zimbabwe (www.tarsc.org [2]) announces the creation of a new site linked to the TARSC website specifically developed for young people to engage in discussion and problem solving on issues related to their reproductive health.

The website Auntie Stella: Teenagers talk about sex, life and relationships can be reached through the TARSC address above or directly on www.auntiestella.org [3]. The site has been adapted from the print version of Auntie Stella which has been successfully used by youth in and out of school.

Both the print and electronic versions use the question and reply format of problem page letters written to agony aunts in magazines, a popular source of information for young people. The basic method is for a question letter to be read and the problem discussed, usually in small single-sex groups, or by individuals reflecting on their own. They then turn to Auntie Stella’s reply for expert information and suggestions about how to apply any new knowledge in real life, and to explore ways to change their behaviour.

There are over 30 ‘questions’ covering such topics as emotional and physical changes in adolescence, relationships with peers, parents and the opposite sex, forced sex, gender roles, wanted and unwanted pregnancy, STDs and HIV/AIDS.

The content of the letters, as well as the format and methodology used, was based on research with secondary school students in Zimbabwe and reflect their real experiences, needs and concerns.

The website also includes detailed information to facilitators on various ways young people can use the site, a glossary of difficult words and a bulletin board in which young people from around the world can talk to each other about issues related to sex, life and relationships. The emphasis is on creating an informal and non-judgmental atmosphere where teenagers can work in privacy and focus on their own experiences, knowledge and needs.

Using a participatory (PRA) approach throughout, Auntie Stella stresses that young people should learn through discussion and through doing things themselves, rather than by having teachers/facilitators (who know) pour knowledge into teenagers (who don’t know). The PRA philosophy begins with the knowledge and experience of the learners, and uses various methods to provoke discussion and encourage them to action.

The print version has been widely used in schools in Zimbabwe, as well as in AIDS support organisations, youth centres, sports clubs, child abuse support centres, family planning centres, and church and debating clubs.

"Auntie Stella (IN BOLD) was developed by Barbara Kaim, Programme Manager of
the Adolescent Reproductive Health Project at TARSC. TARSC is a Zimbabwean
non-profit organisation which provides training, research and support
services
for civic organisations to develop social capacities, networking and action.
Funding for the print version of Auntie Stella (IN BOLD) was provided by
Ford
Foundation and the Royal Danish Embassy (Danida).

The electronic version was produced with both financial and technical
assistance from World Links for Development (www.world-links.org [4]). WorLD
plays a
leading role in promoting the use of information and communication
technology in
education and facilitating cultural understanding among youth across nations
through on-line collaborative projects.

Fahamu loaded the site onto the web.

For more information about TARSC and Auntie Stella, visit TARSC’s website at www.tarsc.org [2] or contact us at [email protected] [5] or [email protected] [6]
.

AUNTIE STELLA
A new web-based resource for adolescent reproductive health

The Training and Research Support Centre (TARSC) based in Harare, Zimbabwe (www.tarsc.org [2]) announces the creation of a new site linked to the TARSC website specifically developed for young people to engage in discussion and problem solving on issues related to their reproductive health.

The website Auntie Stella: Teenagers talk about sex, life and relationships can be reached through the TARSC address above or directly on www.auntiestella.org [3]. The site has been adapted from the print version of Auntie Stella which has been successfully used by youth in and out of school.

Both the print and electronic versions use the question and reply format of problem page letters written to agony aunts in magazines, a popular source of information for young people. The basic method is for a question letter to be read and the problem discussed, usually in small single-sex groups, or by individuals reflecting on their own. They then turn to Auntie Stella’s reply for expert information and suggestions about how to apply any new knowledge in real life, and to explore ways to change their behaviour.

There are over 30 ‘questions’ covering such topics as emotional and physical changes in adolescence, relationships with peers, parents and the opposite sex, forced sex, gender roles, wanted and unwanted pregnancy, STDs and HIV/AIDS.

The content of the letters, as well as the format and methodology used, was based on research with secondary school students in Zimbabwe and reflect their real experiences, needs and concerns.

The website also includes detailed information to facilitators on various ways young people can use the site, a glossary of difficult words and a bulletin board in which young people from around the world can talk to each other about issues related to sex, life and relationships. The emphasis is on creating an informal and non-judgmental atmosphere where teenagers can work in privacy and focus on their own experiences, knowledge and needs.

Using a participatory (PRA) approach throughout, Auntie Stella stresses that young people should learn through discussion and through doing things themselves, rather than by having teachers/facilitators (who know) pour knowledge into teenagers (who don’t know). The PRA philosophy begins with the knowledge and experience of the learners, and uses various methods to provoke discussion and encourage them to action.

The print version has been widely used in schools in Zimbabwe, as well as in AIDS support organisations, youth centres, sports clubs, child abuse support centres, family planning centres, and church and debating clubs.

Auntie Stella was developed by Barbara Kaim, Programme Manager of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Project at TARSC, with support from the Ford Foundation and the Royal Danish Embassy (Danida). TARSC is a Zimbabwean non-profit organisation which provides training, research and support services for civic organisations to develop social capacities, networking and action. The electronic version was produced with assistance from World Links Organisation (www.worldbank.org/worldlinks [7]) which provides and promotes access to and training in information and communications technology in developing countries and was loaded with support from Fahamu.

For more information about TARSC and Auntie Stella, visit TARSC’s website at www.tarsc.org [2] or contact us at [email protected] [5] or [email protected] [6]
.