Trainers and facilitators from Vientiane Youth Clinic, Proud To Be Us and UNFPA staff
Growing up as a transgender makes everything harder for Lattavanh (Kai). A 29-year-old tailor and LGBT activist, she is also a programme officer for “Proud to be us” the first LGBT group in Laos, raising awareness around Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
Formed in 2012, Proud to be us aimed to create an accepting society with understanding of the people with gender diversity in Laos. LGBT is one of the most marginalised groups and often face discrimination in school, public and elsewhere. “I’ve seen many people like us faced challenges but they do not know where to get correct information and proper services.” Said Kai
Monday, May 20th 2019 – Kai and her fellows Proud To Be Us, a long time collaborators of Vientiane Youth Centre (VYC) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA), were invited to give a session around LGBT in Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) training for twenty teachers/trainers from 9 health institutions across the country. A seven-day training held by Department of Health Care (MoH) and UNFPA, aimed to equip trainers with skills and knowledge, so that they can provide young people friendly and confidential services around sexual and reproductive health nationwide. It followed the national guideline that adapted from international standards by Ministry of Health (MoH) and with main support from UNFPA.
“My aim for this training is that healthcare providers can be the right source of information for young people and give services without any discriminations” Kai added.
Kai facilitates the group work for trainers
Almost 60% of the population in Laos is young people under the age of 24 years according to the Census 2015. Although, national research shows young girls are the most vulnerable, young girls and boys with gender diversity often face major challenges such as unequal sexual health and reproductive health services, stigma and discrimination in educational institutions and unequal employment opportunities.
“By having accurate information, it can avail young people to avoid risky behaviours, and stay safe. At UNFPA we are working alongside with the government of Laos and many partners to raise awareness as well as ensuring healthcare providers are able to provide quality and friendly services.” Said Ms. Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative in Laos.
Training of trainers rolled out since end of 2017, more than 50 trainers have graduated from the course and went back to their hometown to train students and healthcare providers in providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services to adolescents and young people, to help them feel more comfortable talking about SRH and to be better equipped to address issues affecting young people. This training will ensure the integration of AYFS into services provided at health centres and hospitals.
“I have learned a lot from this training, especially issues around young people. It helped me realize that they deserve to be treated equally and friendly regardless of their gender or identities.” Said Visouda Simmavong, Midwife Teacher from Champasak Province.
Visouda received her certificate of completion for the training of trainers on Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services and Life Skill
