OneVoice South Africa

OneVoice South Africa (OVSA) is a vibrant and unique non-governmental organization, which uses innovative and creative ways of actively engaging young people on critical health and lifestyle issues – including HIV and TB prevention. Our programme is appealing to young people because it provides them with a platform to discuss and address HIV and AIDS, TB, life and livelihood skills, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender, hygiene practices, good citizenship, and human rights issues.

Our target audience is young people, 13-25 years. We believe it is crucial to target these young people as they transition from childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood; a time of risk, while also offering a great opportunity for change. We are passionate about partnering with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, different geographical areas, and from various settings, including in education and the community, for the following reasons:

Most young people become sexually active between 13-24;
Most new infections occur between the ages of 15-24, and mainly among women;
Young people’s minds are more receptive to creative and inclusive messaging, and
Young people are our future role models and leaders.

OVSA is currently implementing its Schools Programme and associated projects through a partnership with Grade 8, 9, 10, and 11 learners, in 22 schools across KwaZulu-Natal. The Schools Programme includes the Life Skills Project (Grade 8), the Life Skills Project (Grade 10), the Enterprise Project focussing on careers and entrepreneurship development with Grade 9 and 11 learners, and the Early Detection of TB Project (Grade 10).