Adolescent Health Advocate
1. Information about the Organization:
This position is with the Peace Corps, an international development organization that promotes sustainable community-driven change. I will be serving as an Adolescent Health Advocate in Lesotho, primarily in rural communities. The role falls under the Health Sector and focuses on addressing HIV/AIDS prevention and adolescent health education + women empowerment initiatives. I’ll be assigned to local host organizations such as a health clinic.
2. Job Function:
As an Adolescent Health Advocate, I will collaborate with community members, caregivers, and local health professionals to deliver health education and support HIV prevention initiatives. Primary responsibilities include:
- Organizing clubs and camps for adolescents, providing comprehensive sexuality education and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Conducting gender-equitable sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention and care with parents and caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children.
- Facilitating economic-strengthening sessions for caregivers and adolescents.
- Providing training to health care workers on youth-friendly services and implementing national protocols for health facility improvements.
- Collaborating with community organizations to collect, report, and utilize health data.
I must be flexible, as job duties may vary based on the needs of the community. I am expected to build strong working relationships to ensure project sustainability and community integration.
3. How the Job Relates to Your Major:
Skills in organizational development, leadership, data management, and community organizing will be used to enhance the capacity of local organizations and improve health system efficiency. I plan to leverage my business and technical skills gained in MIS to support my community in the ways they need; Such support could include helping to setup a website, maintaining a health clinic’s database of patient information, and/or teaching people to code and use the internet. My experience at Temple has opened me up, and taught me how to engage with people and take action, which are skills I will have to use daily while serving in the Peace Corps.