New Youth centers were launched in Ashgabat and Mary last week within the framework of the joint project of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Youth Union named after Magtymguly

“Increasing demand for youth friendly reproductive health education”, with support of John Snow Research and Training Institute.

The centers will focus on informing the young people on the issues of adolescent reproductive health, HIV/AIDS/STI prevention, gender equality, drug abuse, family planning and other issues related to healthy lifestyle through peer-to-peer education, including the use of theatre based performances, and information materials.  UNFPA recognizes peer-to-peer education as one of the key technical methodologies for preventing social problems among young people.  It is based on the premise that the youth are more inclined to discuss adolescent reproductive health issues with their peers than with parents or other adults.  Therefore, some of the trainings will be conducted by the Y-PEER master trainers, youth volunteers of the Y-PEER Youth Network of Turkmenistan. Formalizing and focusing these conversations on safer behavior can empower youths to protect themselves. 

The youth centers will also offer a myriad of edutainment activities where the young people will have an opportunity to engage in sports events, language and computer courses, communication and negotiation skills trainings and drama, to name a few.  Most importantly, the youngster will have an easy access to youth-friendly reproductive health services within the centers, as the gynecologist and psychologist consultations will be provided during the opening hours.  The services will complement the existing Hotlines in Ashgabat, Mary and Dashoguz, supported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and UNFPA, the popularity of which have been skyrocketing among the initial target group, teenage girls, as well as the teenage boys and even the concerned parents.  Ashgabat Hotline center can be reached by phone at 93-80-93. Dashoguz Hotline center: 3-66-98. Mary Hotline Center: 4-66-15. 

“The popularity of the Hotlines once again prove that there is a demand for youth-friendly services in Turkmenistan. Therefore, the opening of two Youth centers in Ashgabat and Mary is very timely,” said Mr. Karl Kulessa, UNFPA Country Director.

 Ashgabat Youth Center is located at the following address: Garryyev str, 67, telephone number: 93-66-25. 

Mary Youth Center is at Gurbansoltaneje str., 83; telephone number: 7-12-32.