Joint Programme ("Menyumenyeshe")

The Joint Programme aims to reach 1.1 million adolescents and youth (ages 10-24) in Burundi with quality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services. Burundi has a young population, with about one-third being between the ages of 10-24 years old. Adolescents face many sexual and reproductive health challenges, as sexuality is a taboo topic and young people are not typically informed about issues relevant to their sexual and reproductive health and rights. In response to these challenges and to accelerate progress toward larger development goals, the government of Burundi prioritized the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in primary and secondary schools. CARE Burundi has worked closely with the government since 2013 to develop and pilot test a national CSE curriculum, enhance the coverage and quality of adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and to develop an enabling and supportive environment for adolescent sexual and reproductive health at the community level. In partnership with Rutgers, UNFPA, and Cordaid, CARE Burundi created the Joint Programme (JP) to scale and multiply the impact of this package of interventions nationwide. The intervention includes comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly services, community engagement, and meaningful youth participation.