Y-PEER, Youth Peer Education Network in Turkmenistan was recognized as the Second Best Y-PEER national network globally for commitment and creativity! Y-PEER International Youth Network is a group of talented young volunteers dedicated to promoting healthy living among their peers, supported by UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, and is working in more than 52 countries around the world.
The Youth Centers in Ashgabat and Mary cities under the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan host the activities of Y-PEER Turkmenistan Network, where the Y-PEER volunteers lead peer education sessions, events and campaigns to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices. More than 30,000 young people, including adolescents, already had an opportunity to reflect on their lifestyle and increase their knowledge on such serious issues as adolescent reproductive health, prevention of bad habits, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, unintended pregnancy and gender-based violence through interactive peer-to-peer sessions of the volunteers.
The selection of the best national Y-PEER networks was made through intensive evaluation process led by a team of Y-PEER international coordinators based on the organizational development of the network, communication and visibility, creativity and consistent improvement and the quality of peer education activities and campaigns. The celebration of the recognition of the Y-PEER Turkmenistan Network was held at the Youth center with interactive presentations on Y-PEER achievements and plans for the future, quiz sessions on healthy lifestyle, poetry reading and a flashmob.
“The data of the Youth Centers, as well as the feedback of Youth Center volunteers, their parents and teachers show that there is a high interest and demand for information on healthy living, including adolescent reproductive health among youth and adolescents in Turkmenistan,” said Ms. Guncha Annageldiyeva, Y-PEER Turkmenistan Network Focal Point. “We are proud to be recognized as the second best national network in the world, and we are committed and look forward to continuing our tradition of quality peer education in the field of adolescent reproductive health.”
“Adolescence represents one of the critical transitions in the life span,” said Bayramgul Garabayeva, UNFPA Assistant Representative. “Many serious diseases in adulthood have their roots in adolescence. 2/3 of premature deaths among adults and 1/3 of the burden of disease are associated with conditions or behavior that began during adolescence. Having the correct information in hands is indispensable to make healthy and responsible choices, in addition to having youth-friendly health services and evidence-based youth policies.”
That is the reason why UNFPA recognizes peer-to-peer approach as one of the most effective techniques for teaching life skills to young people. It is based on a theory that young people are more likely to discuss issues related to adolescent reproductive health with their peers.
***
Read Eziz’s story. He’s an emerging leader in his class and a Y-PEER volunteer.
Encourage your adolescent family members and friends to visit the Peer Education Youth centers at the following addresses:
Youth Center of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan: B. Garryev str., 67, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Youth Center at the Mary branch of Youth Organization of Turkmenistan: Gurbansoltan eje str., 83, Mary, Turkmenistan; telephone number: +(993522) 7-12-32.
Working Hours and Time: Monday-Friday, 09:00-18:00
***
For additional information, please contact:
Bayramgul Garabayeva, UNFPA Assistant Representative
Ene Tuyliyeva, Advocacy Communication Associate
Tel: 488325
Web: turkmenistan.unfpa.org, tm.one.un.org
