10 Years of Straight Talk
New Vision (Kampala)
NEWS
December 15, 2003
Posted to the web December 15, 2003
By Stephen Ssenkaaba
Kampala
Ten years ago, there were very few national programmes to address adolescent reproductive health and sexuality in the country. Now Straight Talk Foundation has filled the information gap, writes Stephen Ssenkaaba
THE beginning was hard, the future uncertain. The sceptics dismissed the idea as far-fetched and unworkable. But the vision bearers held on to their dream.
Ten years ago, there were very few national programmes to address adolescent reproductive health and sexuality in the country.
Then, sexuality and reproductive health were hardly talked about in schools and homes. This led to risky sexual behaviour among many adolescents. Something had to be done.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) came up with an idea of a newsletter on adolescent sexual reproductive health to be distributed to youth in different parts of the country.
The organisation contacted Catherine Watson, then a freelance journalist with The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and entrusted her with the task of designing the proposed newsletter. But she had another idea.
"I told them (UNICEF) that instead of publishing a newsletter, we should come up with a real newspaper that would help teenagers to stay safe," says Watson, Communications Director and Founder of what is today known as Straight Talk Foundation (STF).
Then Straight Talk came into the picture.
Watson produced the first issue of Straight Talk newspaper on October 19, 1993.
For its first publication, the publication relied on a big article from Dr. Donna Kabatesi, then at the STD clinic, Mulago, now director of Centre for Disease Control.
"We distributed our first publication to 800 secondary schools throughout the country," says Watson. A few months later Watson, found Anne Akia Feidler, then a freelance journalist.
"We started working together. Anne worked from her desk at The New Vision. I worked from home. We were supported by a group of brilliant young doctors and counsellors including Elly Tumwesigye, Edith Nnaku, Edith Mukisa and Joy Oguttu," she adds.
These people also took part in STF organised school visiting programmes where they talked to youth about sexuality and reproductive health.
The copies of the first issue also were inserted at an affordable price in the New Vision newspaper.
Despite its modest beginnings and thin staff structure, Straight Talk was determined to go on.
With its eyes on keeping adolescents safe through the provision of behavioural change communication programmes and life skills development, STF tackled various issues on sexuality and reproductive health.
"We discussed topics on sexuality, reproductive health, and body changes in a very neutral yet open way without sounding vulgar, says Watson.
Even though the publication came out as a surprise to the public, it was well received by students, teachers and parents
"Within a few weeks of the first issue, students started writing to us seeking more information about sexual and reproductive health.
Soon, we started receiving requests from head- teachers asking us to visit their schools and talk to students, says Watson proudly.
As the popularity of the publication grew in schools, the need to have more staff and funding increased.
In 1997 Straight Talk Foundation was registered as a Non Governmental Organisation and got its first home in a small office along Bukoto Street in Kamwokya.
After gaining its NGO status, Straight Talk Foundation continued conducting school visits and publishing the Straight Talk newspaper.
In 1998, management of the organisation introduced another publication called "Young Talk".
"Since Straight Talk targeted adolescents between the ages of 15-19, we came up with Young Talk for primary school adolescents aged 10-14 year olds," says Watson.
The publication whose monthly circulation has reached 400, 000 copies contains messages on delaying sex, avoiding early pregnancies and STDs among others.
After Young Talk, STF introduced Teacher Talk, a quarterly newspaper for primary school teachers.
With termly distribution of 250,00 copies per month, Teacher Talk helps teachers to manage their own sexual health and encourage a safe supportive environment for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in schools.
After the introduction of Teacher Talk, STF found it necessary to reach out to the unschooled adolescents, thus introducing quarterly local language newspapers in Ateso, Luo, Runyakitara and Luganda.
Circulating 80,000 copies, these newspapers cover topics such as STD treatment, family planning, abstinence and condom use.
Through the introduction of Farm TALK and Tree Talk, STF in partnership with Government has spearheaded the teaching of agriculture and the environment in schools.
In order to reach more youth, the organisation started radio shows in 1999.
The shows in English, Luo, Runyakitara, Ateso, Lugbara and Samia are mostly for out-of-school children.
STF also started a school visits programme where the foundation works with pupils, students, teachers and parents.
According to Watson, plans are underway to introduce, Parent Talk, a newspaper that will inform parents on how to keep marriages safe from HIV and how to help their children stay safe.
As messages from different beneficiaries reveal, Straight Talk Foundation has been a blessing to many.
"Since I started Straight Talk, I have stopped having sex," said one student.
"Young Talk has helped me a lot in answering children's questions on issues like menstruation and STDs," said a teacher from Gulu.
Through its multimedia programmes, Straight Talk Foundation has grown to reach two million adolescents, one million parents and teachers every month while making 1,404 radio broadcasts a year.
Watson attributes this to enabling government policies, freedom of the press and a team of energetic and dedicated staff.
And just as the organisation looks up to the future, the past is one worth celebrating.
January 7, 2004
Big Brother Housemates Join the Fight Against HIV/Aids
The Chronicle Newspaper (Lilongwe)
INTERVIEW
January 5, 2004
Posted to the web January 5, 2004
By Pushpa Jamieson
Lilongwe
Since the end of the Big Brother House (BBH) competition on 7th September 2003, the housemates have been busy promoting themselves, commodities and also fund raising for different needs.
Recently the housemates were involved in the serious business of promoting HIV/AIDS awareness within the region. Several housemates visited Uganda in order to play their part in making the youth more aware of the effects of the epidemic in Africa, and to participate in workshops.
The workshops provided them with information which they will put to use in their campaign to increase HIV/AIDS awareness amongst the youth.
Malawi's BBH representative, Zein Dudha was one of the housemates who visited Uganda. Responding to question put to him, Zein was able to shed more light on the reason for the visit and what the BBH housemates learnt in order for them to play their part in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
We understand that you have been to Uganda on some AIDS tour. Can you tell us what it is that you did, who you visited and what you plan to do with the insight you had to help with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Have you been to any other African country on a similar tour?
The Uganda trip was the first trip that any of the housemates went to solely for the purpose of increasing AIDS awareness amongst the youth. We had workshops with peer co-ordinators of HIV NGOs from throughout Uganda, as well as from select countries in Africa (including Malawi), where we learnt about the specific challenges that they face due to their unique geographic and demographics differences. We also spent time with them creating messages for radio and TV in order to try and stop the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
Apart from the workshop we did interviews on TV and with newspapers, participated in a music concert, and were very fortunate to be invited to the World Aids Day official function where we met with President Yoweri Museveni who endorsed the positive work that we were doing for the youth of Uganda.
What was the most interesting point of you visit?
Learning from the peer co-ordinators was not only interesting but very informative as AIDS issues vary greatly in the different regions of Uganda.
In the regions where there is conflict the main concern is with young girls getting abducted and raped by the rebels. The arid areas where the population are mostly nomadic cattle herders, there is a problem of them catching and spreading the disease in the different towns or settlements that they visit. In the other rural areas. There is the more common problem of circumcision using equipment that is not sterile and in the towns, the main problems were prostitution and promiscuity.
What do you think about the way the country of Uganda is fighting HIV/AIDS?
Uganda started fighting HIV very early, and adopted a very open and honest approach in the way they disseminate information to the population.
As a result they managed to reduce the HIV prevalence rate from around 30% to 6.5% which is quite a significant achievement.
Do you feel that there is something that Malawi can learn from Uganda's experience with HIV/AIDS?
Uganda's achievement can be attributed mainly to the high level of political commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, openness about the epidemic, involvement of all sections of society and the government policy of decentralization. Malawi can learn a lot in all these areas.
Which other members of BBH have been involved in making sure that HIV/AIDS is given high visibility in Africa and in what way?
All the housemates are very serious about working with the youth on this issue, and we will be working closely with the relevant organizations in our countries to try and get similar workshops and awareness events done there.
How were members of the youth and adolescents involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda?
The youth in Uganda understand that for their fellow peers to learn and listen to messages about HIV/AIDS. It has to come from people of the same age group. By getting actively involved in the many NGOs they are getting involved and this is why Uganda is seen as the success story of Africa.
How do you plan to continue making sure that HIV/AIDS is given and maintains a high profile in Malawi?
I am speaking with UNICEF in Malawi about different ways in which we can work together. Hopefully early next year we will do a couple of projects together which I am very excited about.
Peer pressure is one of the biggest reasons youth get involved in risky behaviour. Can you tell us of ways in which you as a BBH participant has been able to deal with peer pressure?
Education, knowledge, self respect and an ambition to see a better future are all ways in which we arm ourselves to lead better and safer lives. If we are able to see the bigger picture of our lives it is easier to deal with peer pressure.
Do you think the responsibility that the nation is placing on the youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS can be achieved by them?
Definitely!!! As Stephen Lewis the UN Special Envoy on AIDS in Africa said, "If AIDS is to be defeated in Africa, the youth will defeat it." We must never underestimate the power of the youth. They are our future, and through them Africa will eventually come out of the epidemic.
What message do you have for the nation of Malawi during the festive season and what in particular do you have to say to the youth.
I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves during the holiday season. Being young and having fun are the best times of ones life! However if you are planning on doing anything sexual in the future please Stop, Think and Be Safe!
What has been the highlight of your life since the end of BBH AFRICA ZD; Meeting all the many supporters of the show in the different countries has made me realize that BBA was more than just a regular TV reality show.
It actually has brought Africa closer together, and I am honoured to have been a part of this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2003 The Chronicle Newspaper. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
The Chronicle Newspaper (Lilongwe)
INTERVIEW
January 5, 2004
Posted to the web January 5, 2004
By Pushpa Jamieson
Lilongwe
Since the end of the Big Brother House (BBH) competition on 7th September 2003, the housemates have been busy promoting themselves, commodities and also fund raising for different needs.
Recently the housemates were involved in the serious business of promoting HIV/AIDS awareness within the region. Several housemates visited Uganda in order to play their part in making the youth more aware of the effects of the epidemic in Africa, and to participate in workshops.
The workshops provided them with information which they will put to use in their campaign to increase HIV/AIDS awareness amongst the youth.
Malawi's BBH representative, Zein Dudha was one of the housemates who visited Uganda. Responding to question put to him, Zein was able to shed more light on the reason for the visit and what the BBH housemates learnt in order for them to play their part in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
We understand that you have been to Uganda on some AIDS tour. Can you tell us what it is that you did, who you visited and what you plan to do with the insight you had to help with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Have you been to any other African country on a similar tour?
The Uganda trip was the first trip that any of the housemates went to solely for the purpose of increasing AIDS awareness amongst the youth. We had workshops with peer co-ordinators of HIV NGOs from throughout Uganda, as well as from select countries in Africa (including Malawi), where we learnt about the specific challenges that they face due to their unique geographic and demographics differences. We also spent time with them creating messages for radio and TV in order to try and stop the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
Apart from the workshop we did interviews on TV and with newspapers, participated in a music concert, and were very fortunate to be invited to the World Aids Day official function where we met with President Yoweri Museveni who endorsed the positive work that we were doing for the youth of Uganda.
What was the most interesting point of you visit?
Learning from the peer co-ordinators was not only interesting but very informative as AIDS issues vary greatly in the different regions of Uganda.
In the regions where there is conflict the main concern is with young girls getting abducted and raped by the rebels. The arid areas where the population are mostly nomadic cattle herders, there is a problem of them catching and spreading the disease in the different towns or settlements that they visit. In the other rural areas. There is the more common problem of circumcision using equipment that is not sterile and in the towns, the main problems were prostitution and promiscuity.
What do you think about the way the country of Uganda is fighting HIV/AIDS?
Uganda started fighting HIV very early, and adopted a very open and honest approach in the way they disseminate information to the population.
As a result they managed to reduce the HIV prevalence rate from around 30% to 6.5% which is quite a significant achievement.
Do you feel that there is something that Malawi can learn from Uganda's experience with HIV/AIDS?
Uganda's achievement can be attributed mainly to the high level of political commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, openness about the epidemic, involvement of all sections of society and the government policy of decentralization. Malawi can learn a lot in all these areas.
Which other members of BBH have been involved in making sure that HIV/AIDS is given high visibility in Africa and in what way?
All the housemates are very serious about working with the youth on this issue, and we will be working closely with the relevant organizations in our countries to try and get similar workshops and awareness events done there.
How were members of the youth and adolescents involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda?
The youth in Uganda understand that for their fellow peers to learn and listen to messages about HIV/AIDS. It has to come from people of the same age group. By getting actively involved in the many NGOs they are getting involved and this is why Uganda is seen as the success story of Africa.
How do you plan to continue making sure that HIV/AIDS is given and maintains a high profile in Malawi?
I am speaking with UNICEF in Malawi about different ways in which we can work together. Hopefully early next year we will do a couple of projects together which I am very excited about.
Peer pressure is one of the biggest reasons youth get involved in risky behaviour. Can you tell us of ways in which you as a BBH participant has been able to deal with peer pressure?
Education, knowledge, self respect and an ambition to see a better future are all ways in which we arm ourselves to lead better and safer lives. If we are able to see the bigger picture of our lives it is easier to deal with peer pressure.
Do you think the responsibility that the nation is placing on the youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS can be achieved by them?
Definitely!!! As Stephen Lewis the UN Special Envoy on AIDS in Africa said, "If AIDS is to be defeated in Africa, the youth will defeat it." We must never underestimate the power of the youth. They are our future, and through them Africa will eventually come out of the epidemic.
What message do you have for the nation of Malawi during the festive season and what in particular do you have to say to the youth.
I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves during the holiday season. Being young and having fun are the best times of ones life! However if you are planning on doing anything sexual in the future please Stop, Think and Be Safe!
What has been the highlight of your life since the end of BBH AFRICA ZD; Meeting all the many supporters of the show in the different countries has made me realize that BBA was more than just a regular TV reality show.
It actually has brought Africa closer together, and I am honoured to have been a part of this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2003 The Chronicle Newspaper. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
January 5, 2004
BBC to drop Coke credits
Matt Wells, media correspondent
Saturday January 3, 2004
The Guardian
The BBC has bowed to pressure and promised it will drop the controversial on-air credits for Coca-Cola in Radio 1's weekly chart show.
After a tide of criticism that followed the announcement of the Coke sponsorship deal in December, the BBC said last night that it would seek a way out of the row.
The music charts are compiled for the British record industry by the Official UK Charts Company and licensed to the BBC. In December, the charts company signed a two-year deal with Coca-Cola, and the BBC agreed to give the soft-drinks giant two on-air credits on the Radio 1 show, plus a written credit in the closing title sequence on Top of the Pops. The announcement was made on the day that Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, promised to clamp down on food advertising to children.
Outraged health campaigners said the deal would promote bad health in children, and commercial radio companies said it breached the BBC's rules on sponsorship.
A BBC spokesman said last night that the criticism had "concentrated minds" among senior executives. "The BBC does not want to be seen to be overly commercial," he said.
There was a precedent for the Coca-Cola deal: Worldpop, a web-based music business, sponsored the chart until two years ago. But Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1, said the "broadcast market has moved on considerably" since the Worldpop deal was signed four years ago. "We no longer feel it is appropriate to allow on-air mentions of sponsors of the chart."
The BBC has several options: it could sever its current deal with the charts company from August and negotiate a new one, or pull out of the deal altogether and compile its own chart. BBC executives are believed to prefer the former option.
A charts company spokesman said it planned to meet the BBC to resolve the concerns. But Coca-Cola will receive the Radio 1 plugs until the issue is resolved.
Matt Wells, media correspondent
Saturday January 3, 2004
The Guardian
The BBC has bowed to pressure and promised it will drop the controversial on-air credits for Coca-Cola in Radio 1's weekly chart show.
After a tide of criticism that followed the announcement of the Coke sponsorship deal in December, the BBC said last night that it would seek a way out of the row.
The music charts are compiled for the British record industry by the Official UK Charts Company and licensed to the BBC. In December, the charts company signed a two-year deal with Coca-Cola, and the BBC agreed to give the soft-drinks giant two on-air credits on the Radio 1 show, plus a written credit in the closing title sequence on Top of the Pops. The announcement was made on the day that Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, promised to clamp down on food advertising to children.
Outraged health campaigners said the deal would promote bad health in children, and commercial radio companies said it breached the BBC's rules on sponsorship.
A BBC spokesman said last night that the criticism had "concentrated minds" among senior executives. "The BBC does not want to be seen to be overly commercial," he said.
There was a precedent for the Coca-Cola deal: Worldpop, a web-based music business, sponsored the chart until two years ago. But Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1, said the "broadcast market has moved on considerably" since the Worldpop deal was signed four years ago. "We no longer feel it is appropriate to allow on-air mentions of sponsors of the chart."
The BBC has several options: it could sever its current deal with the charts company from August and negotiate a new one, or pull out of the deal altogether and compile its own chart. BBC executives are believed to prefer the former option.
A charts company spokesman said it planned to meet the BBC to resolve the concerns. But Coca-Cola will receive the Radio 1 plugs until the issue is resolved.
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