DSW Ethiopia Reinforces Commitment to Youth Wellbeing: A Week of Insights and Visits with Executive Director Mr. Jan Kreutzberg

As part of the Bees outreach programme, a young flying nurse prepares her backpack filled with essential health supplies, ready to engage with community members. She aims to deliver vital essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in schools, tea and coffee spaces, homes, the marketplace and various public settings. “With all the challenges, the Bees programme has been a lifeline for youth everywhere,” she shares. “Some youth are eager to use our services, while others are hesitant. Most of the time many girls and women come to us asking for emergency pills, but we counsel them on varies contraceptive options including to use long term contraceptive family planning yet, they are nervous, express a desire for counseling and visit the clinic for further SRH services and information. However, we take their addresses and contact numbers to follow up and provide additional clinical services.

This story encapsulates the essence of DSW Ethiopia’s mission, which was recently highlighted during a week-long visit by Executive Director Mr. Jan Kreutzberg. From October 17 to October 22, 2024, Mr. Kreutzberg, accompanied by DSW Ethiopia’s Country Director Mr. Feyera Assefa and local project leaders, embarked on a transformative journey across Bishoftu, Shashamene, and Hawassa. This visit not only reaffirmed DSW Ethiopia’s dedication to empowering Ethiopian youth but also showcased the organisation’s significant visibility and impact in the communities it serves.

The journey began on October 17 at the Bonita Training Center in Bishoftu, where Mr. Kreutzberg observed local resilience in the face of challenges stemming from a government-led road construction project. However, the Executive Director observed that the infrastructure in the demolition area was being rebuilt at DSW’s own expense. In the meantime, Mr. Kreutzberg toured Youth Friendly Clinic operational areas such as the laboratory and family planning room, gaining insights into a local initiative producing reusable sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene. This initiative highlights DSW Ethiopia’s innovative approach to addressing the exclusive health needs of young people. Inspired by the dedication of the clinic’s staff and the “Bees outreach approach” flying nurse service Mr. Kreutzberg expressed DSW Ethiopia’s commitment, stating, “We are dedicated to expanding the clinic’s capacity to meet the vital health needs of youth in this community.” His assurance reflects DSW Ethiopia’s ongoing focus on making healthcare services accessible and impactful for all young people.

In Shashamene on October 20, Mr. Kreutzberg engaged with local youth, community members, and stakeholders at the DSW-supported Biftu Bira Youth-Friendly Clinic. Like the Youth-Friendly Clinic in Bishoftu, the Biftu Bira facility is central to SRH services and menstrual hygiene management in the community. The clinic staff showcased their affordable sanitary pad production, and the Bee’s approach service. During a community gathering, young people showcased cultural performances, including dance, poetry, music, and the communities reflect of their positive image and request the sustainability of the youth friendly clinic. A local stakeholder emphasised the significance of the clinic: “This clinic has become a trusted source for our youth. It’s more than healthcare; it’s a place for health education and empowerment.” Clinic staff also shared the need for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and ultrasound machine to enhance diagnostic capabilities, a request that DSW pledged to support.

The following day, October 21, DSW’s Executive Director visited the Adare Health Center in Hawassa alongside UNFPA delegates. This visit further solidified DSW Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure for youth. They also observed essential maternal and youth services that require further resources. Recognising the need for better support, Mr. Kreutzberg stated, “Providing resources for youth health friendly services is crucial to our mission. We’ll work closely with partners to ensure these centres meet the growing demand of young people.”

The visit stops at the Hawassa Industrial Park, where DSW Ethiopia has been proactive in implementing workplace initiatives, focused on sexual and reproductive health. Young workers participated in peer-to-peer discussions about health and safety, fostering an environment where they could openly raise concerns and learn. One participant shared, “It’s empowering to know that we can talk openly about SRH and our rights. This kind of support should reach more young people.” This engagement was an example of DSW Ethiopia’s role in creating a space to promote dialogue and awareness among youth in different environments.

The journey furthermore included a visit to a UNFPA-supported safe house for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Hawassa. This critical facility provides shelter, psychological support, and training for economic empowerment, helping survivors rebuild their lives in a supportive environment. From this visit, DSW Ethiopia gained valuable experience for similar interventions.