YouthCare Initiative

The YouthCare Initiative addresses the pressing challenges faced by young healthcare professionals, including medical residents and nursing students, in providing respectful and rights-based sexual and reproductive healthcare. These difficulties extend to combating stigma and overcoming authoritarian structures, gender bias, work overload, and burnout. These issues are prevalent globally but are particularly acute in localities across Córdoba, Argentina. According to WHO, burnout rates among healthcare professionals range from 30% to 70%. The hierarchical nature of healthcare institutions often exacerbates these challenges. The YouthCare Initiative seeks to foster learning circles and facilitate open discussions to alleviate these obstacles, potentially benefiting a significant portion of the global healthcare workforce.

Our solution implements a comprehensive learning framework for emerging healthcare professionals, including medical residents and nursing students. Through structured group exchanges, the program delves into legal, social, and technical facets of sexual and reproductive healthcare. This practical approach is tailored to the unique dynamics of each participant's origin and role and is designed to allow learning to be incorporated by doing and reflecting. By addressing location-specific nuances, the initiative ensures that participants acquire contextualized insights, enhancing their ability to provide effective and respectful care. These sessions, occurring regularly on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, serve as a continuous platform for in-depth learning, enabling professionals to navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence and competence.

The YouthCare Initiative serves a diverse demographic, primarily comprising young healthcare professionals, medical residents, and nursing students. These individuals often encounter various challenges including issues related to hierarchical structures, gender bias, and demanding workloads They are frequently underserved in terms of tailored training that addresses both the technical and socio-legal aspects of sexual and reproductive healthcare.

By participating in the YouthCare Initiative, these individuals will not only acquire crucial insights and skills but will also have the opportunity to engage in supportive, trust-building conversations. This will significantly impact their professional development and well-being. Additionally, the benefits of this initiative will ripple outwards. The institutions where participants work will benefit from a more empowered, rights-based approach to healthcare. Moreover, the broader community will benefit from having healthcare professionals who are highly attuned to the specific needs and sensitivities related to sexual and reproductive health. Ultimately, the initiative's impact extends beyond the participants, positively influencing the entire healthcare ecosystem and the communities they serve.

This initiative stems from our extensive experience at Fundeps in working directly with healthcare professionals in various localities. Through our project "Workshops and meetings with health professionals in local communities of Córdoba," we conducted in-person workshops and training sessions across different areas of the province. These sessions engaged a diverse group, including health authorities, medical professionals, nursing staff, administrative personnel, students in health-related disciplines, community health promoters, judiciary workers, and the general public. A total of approximately 450 individuals participated in these sessions.

Each workshop provided comprehensive and practical training on the legal framework governing voluntary and legal abortion, with a detailed exploration of Laws 27.610 and 26.529. These laws regulate patient rights in their interactions with healthcare professionals and institutions. Additionally, technical content was delivered to address the holistic approach required for careful accompaniment, in adherence to internationally recommended parameters for safe abortion. As part of these sessions, we introduced and distributed our guide titled "Prácticas cuidadas para la atención de la interrupción del embarazo" (Caring Practices for Abortion Care).

Through these encounters, we discerned that young professionals possess unique needs. This insight has steered the development of the YouthCare Initiative, which serves as a tailored extension of our efforts to cater specifically to this demographic. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges and aspirations of these young professionals, ensuring that the initiative is finely tuned to meet their needs and facilitate their growth within the healthcare sector.

Furthermore, Fundeps employs a range of strategies to combat abortion-related stigma, from litigation to legal research, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and journalistic investigations. We emphasize our collaborative network with like-minded organizations, uniting in the shared cause of abortion access in Argentina and beyond. 

Our over seven-year-long engagement in the fight for abortion access in Argentina, along with the establishment of strategic alliances in this field, provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing challenges in ensuring sexual and reproductive rights.

We have already conducted workshops and training sessions with healthcare professionals in the province. However, these sessions were not exclusively targeted towards young professionals. This prior experience has provided us with valuable insights and learnings. The current project represents a focused effort to address the specific challenges faced by young healthcare professionals, offering more tailored and effective solutions to meet their unique needs. This initiative builds upon our existing knowledge and expertise, marking it as a concrete prototype rather than a conceptual idea.

The YouthCare Initiative is innovative in several key ways:

1.Targeted Approach: It addresses a specific gap in the support system for young healthcare professionals and students. By focusing on the unique challenges they face, such as authoritarianism, vertical hierarchies, gender bias, and burnout, it provides a tailored solution that traditional training programs often miss.

2. Participatory Methodology: The use of learning rounds with a group exchange methodology creates a safe and inclusive space for participants to share their experiences. This participatory approach fosters trust and open dialogue, allowing for the co-creation of solutions and strategies.

3. Comprehensive Focus: The initiative not only addresses technical aspects of sexual and reproductive healthcare but also encompasses legal and social dimensions. This holistic approach ensures that participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved, allowing for more effective and empathetic care.

4. Localized Adaptations: By recognizing and addressing the specific needs of participants based on their roles and the contexts they come from, the initiative ensures that the solutions generated are practical and relevant. This localized adaptation enhances the impact of the training.

5. Building on Past Success: Leveraging Fundeps' previous experience in providing training to healthcare professionals, the YouthCare Initiative builds on a proven model. This amplifies the potential positive impacts and streamlines the implementation process.

6. Inclusivity and Diversity: The initiative is designed to be inclusive of all genders and identities involved in sexual and reproductive healthcare. It creates a space where the experiences and perspectives of a diverse range of individuals are valued and integrated into the learning process.

While the core methodology of learning rounds is not a new technology, its application in this context represents an innovative use. The technology underpinning this initiative is primarily in the facilitation and organization of the learning rounds, potentially involving virtual platforms for wider accessibility.

Overall, the YouthCare Initiative's innovative approach has the potential to catalyze positive impacts by better preparing young healthcare professionals to navigate the challenges they face, ultimately leading to improved sexual and reproductive healthcare outcomes. It sets a new standard for training programs in this field, potentially influencing broader practices and policies in the healthcare sector.

Next Year Impact Goals (2024):

1. Empowerment of Young Healthcare Professionals: Train and support at least 100 young healthcare professionals, residents, medical, and nursing students in sexual and reproductive healthcare, fostering a more confident and rights-based approach to their practice.

2.Reduction of Stigma: Contribute to reduction in stigma associated with sexual and reproductive healthcare services in the targeted communities, as reported by participants and measured through pre- and post-training assessments.

3. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for the integration of youth-centered sexual and reproductive healthcare training in formal medical and nursing education curriculum in Córdoba, Argentina, through active engagement with educational institutions and relevant authorities.

Next Five Years Impact Goals (2028):

1. Expanded Reach: Extend the YouthCare Initiative to cover a minimum of 10 additional localities in Córdoba, directly benefiting over 500 young healthcare professionals and students.

2. Institutional Transformation: Catalyze institutional changes in at least three healthcare facilities, leading to the implementation of more inclusive and rights-based practices for sexual and reproductive healthcare.

3. Community Well-being: Contribute to improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes in targeted communities, aiming for a 20% reduction in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections among young individuals.

Approach to Achieve Impact Goals:

1. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Continue advocating for comprehensive sexual education, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive healthcare rights at regional and national levels. Collaborate with partners and leverage Fundeps' policy advocacy expertise.

2. Partnerships and Collaborations: Strengthen alliances with educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and civil society organizations to ensure the sustainable implementation of the YouthCare Initiative.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress, gather feedback, and adjust the program in response to evolving needs and challenges.

4. Research and Knowledge Dissemination: Conduct research on emerging issues in sexual and reproductive healthcare, disseminating findings to inform evidence-based practices and policies.

5. Community Engagement and Awareness: Engage with local communities to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health rights, empowering them to advocate for improved healthcare services.

6. Capacity Building for Trainers: Develop a cadre of skilled trainers within the organization to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality training sessions.

By aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), we aim to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and rights-based healthcare system in Córdoba, Argentina, and serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.

The YouthCare Initiative seeks to bring about meaningful change in the sexual and reproductive healthcare landscape for young individuals in Córdoba, Argentina. Through regular roundtable discussions and training sessions, we aim to strengthen young healthcare professionals and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide inclusive, rights-based care. By creating a space for open dialogue, participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, address challenges, and exchange best practices in sexual and reproductive healthcare, at the same time a network of compromised young professionals is created. This initiative anticipates immediate outputs, including heightened proficiency and confidence among participants in delivering respectful care. In the short term, we expect to witness an improvement in the quality of sexual and reproductive health services within healthcare facilities, as well as the establishment of robust networks and collaborations among young professionals. Over time, this will translate into increased access to safe and inclusive sexual and reproductive healthcare services for young individuals, ultimately contributing to a reduction in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, it aims to empower young healthcare professionals to advocate for rights-based healthcare practices within their institutions. By addressing the specific challenges faced by this demographic, the YouthCare Initiative not only enhances individual capacities but also fosters a cultural shift within healthcare settings, ultimately improving the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of young individuals in Córdoba, Argentina. This initiative closely aligns with Fundeps' broader mission to advocate for rights-based policies and practices, recognizing the importance of sexual and reproductive health as a fundamental human right.

Full-time staff: 2 (Legal Project Coordinator and Technical and Medical Project Coordinator)

Part-time staff: 4 (Pedagogical Assistant for the Project, Supervisor, Administrative Assistant and Communication Manager 

Contractors and other workers: 2 (Photographer and Facilitator).

3 years. 

Our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is deeply embedded in our organizational ethos. Fundeps is primarily led by young cis women at all levels of leadership. Moreover, we recognize that trans and non-binary individuals, youth, people with disabilities, those who have undergone abortions, and all those with diverse experiences and identities play crucial roles within our group and in the alliances we form to carry out our activities.

We value the richness of perspectives that these diverse identities bring to our organization, therefore decision making processes are horizontal within Fundeps’ team and are done with previous consultation and consent of our beneficiaries. The unique voices and experiences of these individuals enrich our discussions, decisions, and strategies. We foster an environment where all voices are heard and respected, regardless of gender, orientation, identity, or circumstances.

In terms of our projects, we are committed to ensuring that they are inclusive and accessible to everyone. This includes providing materials and resources in multiple formats and languages, accommodating different learning styles, and considering the specific needs of participants.

Our ongoing goals involve further diversifying our team and ensuring that it reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working to recruit and support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and communities.

Through these efforts, we aim to not only create a diverse and inclusive environment within our organization but also to contribute to a broader culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of sexual and reproductive health. This inclusive approach is integral to our mission of advocating for policies that uphold human rights, particularly in the realm of sexual and reproductive health.

Fundeps operates as a non-profit organization, and our primary focus is on creating social impact, not in generating revenue. As a non-profit, our funding primarily comes from grants, donations, and partnerships with other organizations that share our mission. These funds are crucial in enabling us to continue and expand our initiatives for the betterment of sexual and reproductive health practices. With those resources, we provide a range of services and resources aimed at advancing sexual and reproductive health rights.

Our main beneficiaries are healthcare professionals, including residents, medical students, and nursing students. We offer them access to specialized training, workshops, and forums for knowledge exchange. This equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex issues in sexual and reproductive health, promoting a more inclusive and respectful approach to patient care. 

In addition to direct training, we develop and distribute educational materials, such as guides and toolkits, which serve as valuable resources for healthcare professionals in their practice.

The value we provide is multi-fold. Firstly, we empower healthcare professionals with the expertise to provide higher quality care in sexual and reproductive health. This translates to improved health outcomes for patients. Secondly, by fostering a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment, we contribute to reducing stigma and barriers related to sexual and reproductive health.

As a non-profit organization, our financial sustainability relies on a combination of sustained donations, grants, and strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations. These funds are essential in enabling us to continue and expand our initiatives for the betterment of sexual and reproductive health practices.

We continuously seek out grants and funding opportunities from non-governmental organizations, as well as foundations that align with our mission. Additionally, we actively engage in fundraising campaigns and outreach efforts to connect with individuals and organizations passionate about advancing sexual and reproductive health rights. With these fundraising strategies and diligent management, Fundeps has gone through a growth process since its beginning in 2009 and has achieved financial sustainability.

While we do not sell products or services, we may explore collaborative projects or service contracts with governments that want to improve their policies, or with institutions that share our mission. These opportunities would be carefully evaluated to ensure they align with our core values and contribute meaningfully to our mission.

In the long term, our revenue streams will be carefully managed to cover our expected expenses, allowing us to sustain and expand our initiatives for the benefit of the communities we serve. This approach ensures that our focus remains on maximizing social impact rather than financial profit.