The project “Youth Voices, Youth Choices” (2021-2023) is a 30-month international project implemented in Bulgaria by the Bulgarian Family Planning and Sexual Health Association (BFPA). Partner organizations from Albania, BiH, Kosovo and Northern Macedonia will implement similar initiatives in their countries. The project is implemented with the coordinative role of the International Planned Parenthood Federation with the support of the programme for socially responsible business of the company MSD.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the delivery of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including maternal health and family planning in almost all European countries. The project aims to create more accessible and youth-friendly SRH services and information provision, with special attention to the most vulnerable groups.
During the first year the project envisages conduction of research to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on access of young people to SRH services in particular and health services as a whole. The further project activities include compilation and exchange of good practices and empowerment of young people through a combination of online and offline educational tools, training and involvement in information campaigns. The main target group, young people aged 14-30, will be involved at all levels of the project implementation. Experts from different sectors (medical doctors, health care providers, psychologists, decision makers, field experts etc.) will consult young people and support the development of recommendations at national and regional level to improve health systems and services in the 5 countries, including in the field of telemedicine. National and regional initiatives to advocate for and increase access to SRH services and information for all those in need, with focus on crisis context, will also be supported.
02.07.2024 Project of the Year 2023 Award for BFPA
15.06.2023 Final Meeting on Youth Voices, Youth Choices
26.03.2023 YVYC and LYRA Projects Youth Advocacy
11.08.2021 BFPA study among young people: what to improve in the provision of health services in a pandemic
15.03.2024 ‘A click away’ – Free Psychological Support for Young People (BNR, Radio Vidin)
29.02.2024 “A click away” – free psychological help for young people in need (Bulgarian National Radio)
04.05.2023 BFPA Volunteers, Students from the American University, Created an Online Platform for Psychological Support (BNT)
10.03.2023 Novini BG: Is sexual Education Taboo in Schools? (Novini BG)
10.03.2023 Is sexual education taboo in schools? (Darik Radio)
08.02.2023 Predel on Tape – Photo Exhibition in Blagoevgrad (TV Darts)
31.05.2022 Media Coverage of BFPA’s Activities and Projects within the Framework of the “MSD for Mothers” Campaign – Various Media (different media)
18.05.2022 Focusing on the Problems and Health of Young Mothers (Bulgaria ON AIR)