The COVID-19 pandemic tested the sustainability and impact of AGE Africa's Creating Healthy Approaches to Success (CHATS) program. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls during prolonged school closures, AGE Africa persistently adapted CHATS curriculum to a digital format on local radio channels under the title of Ticheze Atsikana (Let’s CHATS). Since April 2020, we have produced and aired nearly 100 episodes on topics ranging from gender based violence, sexual reproductive health rights, COVID-19 safety protocols, and career guidance. As of September 1, 2021, Ticheze Atsikana will be broadcast nationwide!
While Covid-19 restrictions remain in place throughout Malawi, schools have reopened. We opened our in-person CHATS girls' club at boarding schools and support community day secondary schools through our radio medium. As a peer-led program, beneficiaries from St. Mary's Secondary School recently traveled to Lisumbwi Secondary School, a new AGE Africa partner school, to train student leaders to organize and facilitate in-person CHATS programming.
Stay tuned for more stories and updates about how our beneficiaries are the driving force behind the success of both the CHATS after-school program and the Let's CHATS radio show!
