Youth and Health

Welcome to Module 12 Youth and Health. As you know, youth development workers have a key role to play in delivering a holistic approach to health promotion. This module is intended to assist you in your work.

The module starts by defining youth in the context of health. It continues by looking at why it is important to involve young people in the planning and implementation of any programme that targets them, and how to promote youth participation. You will also look closely at some of the contemporary health issues that affect young people, such as nutrition and diet, sexual and reproductive health and drug abuse.

You will look at the differences between the principles of youth development work and those of health professionals and educators, and explore the need for appropriate alliances with health agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The module also looks at how to enable practitioners to recognise the different roles they have, and how to foster effective working relationships.