AN ASSESSMENT OF THE VIRGINS PROJECT IN EJISU SUB DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

The rising incidence o f early sexual activity among young people has become an

issue o f great public health concern and is receiving attention worldwide. Many o f

the youth are at risk o f unplanned pregnancy or sexually tran sm itted infection (STI)

including HIV/AIDS and some may already be struggling with the consequences o f

these risks. Studies conducted in Ejisu-Juabeng district have revealed the existence

o f high level o f sexual activity among the youth. To minimize risks associated with

this behaviour and to secure a healthy future for the youth, the E jisu-Juabeng

Virgin Club project was established in 2001.

This study, which used both quantitative and qualitative methods o f d a ta collection,

was u n d e rtak en to assess the extent to which the project has achieved its objectives

since its inception th ree years ago. A number o f indicators were measured to meet

study objectives.

The key findings o f the study include:

1. The project has adopted a holistic approach to addressing

antecedent/determinants o f behavior o f the girls.

2. Girls between 10-19 years are mostly a ttra cted to the club

3. Out o f 151 o f girls surveyed only 23% o f girls have been with the club since

its inception in 2 0 0 1 .

4. A number o f factors appear to be hindering the potential o f the p ro je c t to

achieve desired results, among which are:

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■ Negative perception o f the project by some community members.

* Lack o f well-prepared, coherent training/teaching curriculum.

■ Inadequate Funding.

■ Lack o f effective follow up o f drop outs.

■ Low involvement o f young girls on p rojec t management.

■ Over concentration o f project activities at Ejisu.

5. Other factors which have kept the club operational include:

* Community Support by Queen Mothers, Village Health Committee

members and other opinion leaders.

■ Commitment o f Project Staff

■ Club Exit Package

6 . The overall SRH knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Skills o f respondents

is encouraging. However th e re a few misconceptions and myths th a t need to

be addressed.

Based on the findings, the following is recommended:

1) Decentralization o f activities to all 30 communities

2) Resource mobilization to support p roje c t activities needs to be intensified,

especially marketing the p roje ct and proposal development.

3) Continuing education for p roje c t sta ff to upd a te knowledge on SRH

issues, with emphasis on STI/HIV/AIDS.

4) Promote increased participation o f the virgins and p a ren ts in the

planning and management o f project activities.