Empowering Youth Through SRHR Education: Our Mission in Action

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) are more than just a textbook subject—they are a foundation for empowerment, equity, and informed life choices. At Health Promotion Organization Rwanda (HPO), we are not only addressing the lack of comprehensive sexuality education—we are reimagining how it's delivered.

SRHR remains a sensitive topic in many Rwandan communities. Cultural taboos, misinformation, and lack of safe spaces often prevent adolescents from accessing accurate and age-appropriate information. But through HPO's SRHR Program, we’re changing the narrative.

What We Do: A Game-Changing Approach

At the core of our SRHR program is "Ishema Ryanjye", a card-based educational game designed to facilitate open, judgment-free conversations among adolescents, youth, parents, and educators. The game makes it easier to explore topics such as:

• Family planning (FP)
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV
• Gender equality and promotion

We’ve taken this tool to secondary schools, youth corners, and Yego centers across Rwanda, reaching thousands of adolescents. In these spaces, students and parents laugh, learn, and leave empowered.

"When we play the Ishema Ryanjye game, I feel safe asking questions I never could before," says a student from Gasabo District.

Why SRHR Education Matters

Lack of SRHR awareness contributes to:

• Unplanned teenage pregnancies
• Rising cases of STIs among youth
• High school dropout rates
• Gender-based violence and discrimination

When youth are equipped with correct information, they make healthier and more respectful decisions. According to a UNESCO report, comprehensive sexuality education reduces risky behavior and improves academic retention.

Training the Trainers

We don’t stop at reaching students. HPO builds capacity among civil society organizations (CSOs), youth-led organizations (YLOs), and peer educators. Our trainings focus on:

• Interactive SRHR education methods
• Peer-to-peer learning strategies
• Inclusion of children with disabilities
• Community dialogue facilitation

Breaking Barriers Through Community Engagement

SRHR conversations must happen not only in classrooms but also in homes. That’s why HPO also targets parents and caregivers. We help them:

• Understand the importance of early SRHR conversations
• Build communication skills for sensitive topics
• Support their children in navigating puberty and relationships

Impact So Far

• 20+ schools and youth centers engaged across Kigali and Eastern Province
• 500+ adolescents reached through workshops in the last year
• 80+ peer educators trained
• Positive behavior change observed among Ishema Ryanjye participants

Visit our Ishema Ryanjye platform to learn more or play online: ishemaryanjye.hporwanda.org

Looking Ahead

HPO envisions scaling the SRHR program to more rural areas where access is most limited. We are also developing a mobile-friendly app version of Ishema Ryanjye to make the tool accessible beyond physical sessions.

If you're a school leader, parent, or youth group facilitator who would like to implement SRHR games in your community, contact us at: info@hporwanda.org.

Together, let’s raise a generation that is informed, empowered, and proud of their health and rights.

References:

• UNESCO (2018). International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education. Link
• Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). SRHR Program Data (2023)
• Health Promotion Organization Rwanda Internal Reports (2024-2025)