ARISE-BOTNAR
ARISE-BOTNAR: Enhancing Adolescent Health and Well-Being in Urban Africa
ARISE-BOTNAR is a collaborative effort between the ARISE (African Research and Impact Network) and the Botnar Foundation.
- Focus:
The initiative focuses on improving the health and well-being of young people, particularly in urban settings across Africa. - Importance:
Addressing the challenges faced by adolescents in rapidly urbanizing environments through a combination of research, innovation, and community-based interventions.
Project Goal
Primary Goal:
Enhance the quality of life for adolescents and young adults in African cities by addressing key social determinants of health.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF FOCUS
Address mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improve access to and quality of healthcare services for young people.
Support educational attainment and school engagement.
Create and maintain safe spaces that promote well-being and reduce exposure to violence.
Research and Innovation
Data -Driven Solution
Utilize research to inform and guide interventions. Collect and analyze data on health behaviors, risk facotrs and outcomes.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
Develop and deploy digital platforms and tools to enhance service delivery and access.
Implement practices thatare supported by research and evidence, adapting them to local contexts.
Explore how technology can address specific health challenges and improve outreach and support for adolescents.
Community-Based Interventions
Approach
Implement interventions thatare led by and tailored to the needs of the community.
TYPES OF INTERVENTIONS
Programs designed to build resilience and self-efficacy among youth.
Establish networks of support that include peers, mentors and community leaders.
Create environments where young people feel safe and supported, both physically and emotionally.
Involve community members in the planning and implementations of interventions to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Policy Advocacy
Engage with local governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advocate for supportive policies.
- Influence policy changes that enhance the health and well-being of adolescents.
- Integrate successful interventions into local and national policy frameworks to ensure sustainability and wider impact.
Aim to create systemic changes that embed effective practices into broader health and social policies.
Capacity Building
Build the skills and capabilities of local researchers, health professionals, and community organizations.
Provide training and resources to enhance the effectiveness of local staff and organizations.
Empower young people to take an active role in the development and implementation of programs affecting their lives.
Ensure the long-term sustainability of interventions by fostering local expertise and involvement.
Focus Areas
Address issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents.
Improve dietary pratices, access to healthy food, and overall nutritional status.
Enhance access to healthcare services and improve the quality of care.
Create environments that protect youth from violence and exploitation.
Support academic achievements and engagements in school.
Study and address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization.
The Botnar Foundation
A Swiss philanthropic organization dedicated to improving global health and well-being for young people.
Focuses on innovative solutions that empower children and adolescents, particularly in undeserved communities.
The partnership with ARISE aligns with the Foundation’s mission to create meaningful and transformative impacts on the youth.
Impact
Develop and test models that can be replicated in different urban contexts across Africa.
Contribute to the global knowledge base on effective strategies for improving adolescent health in the urban system.
Support the development of policies that foster better health and well-being outcomes for young people.
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of intervention and adapt them based on feedback and new eveidence.