Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

Adolescents in post-apartheid South Africa lead lives that are filled with new opportunities yet overshadowed by rampant violence and crime. The presence of multiple and simultaneous forms of violence and the systemic lack of safety are experienced most acutely by adolescents—in particular, adolescent girls. High levels of violence and crime within the community are coupled with violence within the home and schools. The Population Council’s Transitions to Adulthood Program examines the particular factors that shape adolescents’ life chances and choices. In South Africa, Council researchers have studied how economic literacy and life skills education affect young men and women who are economically and socially disenfranchised and at high risk for HIV infection. To take advantage of skills programs, young people must have access to safe spaces—in the home, school, and community. Promoting Healthy, Safe, and Productive Transitions to Adulthood Brief No. 30 explores Council initiatives to create safe spaces for adolescents and use community mapping, allow adolescents to influence community-based solutions, and translate adolescent knowledge into improved livelihoods.

DOI

10.31899/pgy12.1041

Language

English

Comments

Click here to find other briefs in this series.

Project

The Social Context of HIV: The Addressing the Balance of Burden in AIDS (ABBA) Project

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