The 15th overarching goal of the Incheon Declaration is to complement and supplement formal schooling, broad and flexible lifelong learning opportunities should be provided through non-formal pathways with adequate resources and mechanisms and through stimulating informal learning, including through use of ICT. The objective of our project therefore, is to empower Head Teachers across Africa, starting with Uganda to ensure that this agenda, in line with SDG 4, is brought down to the school level. In our efforts to achieve this goal, we take steps to promote Maternal and Adolescent Health, especially regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

As our approach, we are applying the Social Cognitive Theory of Health Promotion (Behaviour Change Communication) in order to empower the adolescents to have a greater control over their health, inculcate a culture of disease prevention (HIV/AIDS and STIs) and improving Adolescent Reproductive Health among young Ugandans. This theory explores the personal and social competences of young people, making it an incentive to practice the desired behavior. It argues that individuals do not only learn from their own actions and inactions but also from the actions and inactions of other people and the consequences of those actions and inactions thereof. Thus, this project is in two parts: 1) The Executive Seminar for Head Teachers and Proprietors, which serves as a platform for the authorities to share ideas and experiences as well as acquire new knowledge on the importance of integrating Adolescent Reproductive Health-Health Skills and the subject of HIV/ AIDS prevention in the Secondary School curriculum and creating an enabling environment for the discussion and practice of this subject. This is in line with MoESTS plans. 2) The High School Magazine, which serves as a platform for students countrywide to observe the experiences of their peers through reading, writing and pictures creatively put together in an attractive design to suit the taste of the youth. This platform enables students to share their experiences on the subject regardless of their geographical, socio-economic and socio-cultural limitations Our Behaviour Change Strategy is supportive and complementary to those of PIASCY and Straight Talk, which are currently on-going in the country. Whereas the two programs mentioned are doing a lot in terms of empowering groups of students (through clubs) within specific school settings, our approach ensures that the beneficiaries of such empowerment are also able to empower other students, who probably need help but are unable to belong to the club for one reason or another. Thus, we create a platform that transcends the geographical, socio-economic and socio-cultural barriers, and which also involves, not only head teachers but also anyone within the system who is responsible for the welfare of students such as the parents. Thus, students are able to learn from each other more easily and with little facilitation, as well as, interact with people, including those in high positions, who they look up to for positive reinforcement and mentorship.

Being the originators of the idea, and having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education, Advocate For Youth is the Lead organization and the convener. Advocate For Youth is also responsible for most of the secretarial work and communications as well as playing the leading role in fundraising, administration and management of funds for project activities. The Ministry of Education and Sports as well as the Ministry of Health provide a regulatory and policy support, ensuring that all our activities are carried out in an enabling environment and have the support of the political system in order to operate well within it in accordance with its regulatory framework. These government agencies constitute an integral part of the decision making process of the partnership The role of the Association of Secondary School Heads in Uganda is to facilitate contact and information dissemination to Head teachers across the country. They make up an integral part of the decision making body of this partnership UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNESCO are represented on the partnership to provide technical support for this project. Where necessary, they are called upon to either help with fundraising for important activities or help directly with fundraising. When we hold seminars such as the Executive Seminar for Head Teachers and Proprietors of Secondary Schools, UNAIDS, UNESCO and UNICEF are major facilitators and all monitoring reports of the project are reviewed by them to ensure compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbSAUdWH5tY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1n-twAr9IY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IjZGRtstzA) Moreover, UNAIDS, UNESCO and UNICEF are necessarily a major participant in the initial planning meetings for this project to give technical guidance. As we plan towards making this an annual event and replicating it in other countries, all subsequent announcements are be designed such that all partners' and other key stakeholders are duly acknowledged.

Advocate For Youth; Ministry of Education, Uganda; Ministry of Health (School Health Department), Uganda, Association of Secondary School Heads, Uganda; UNAIDS Uganda, UNICEF Uganda, UNESCO Uganda