IKIYAGO which means "DIALOGUE" is an initiative that aims to improve communication between parents and children for better sexual and reproductive health of youth and adolescents.

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In Burundi, fertility is early. According to 2016-2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS III), 8% of girls aged 15-19 had already had a child or were pregnant. Sexual and reproductive health indicators show very high fertility rates among 15- to 19-year-olds. The early onset of sexuality is revealed by the fact that 8% of adolescent girls have begun their fertile lives. This shows that young people need to be informed about their sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual hygiene management, in order to minimize the risks (unwanted pregnancies, HIV/STI, illegal abortions, etc.) related to ignorance and the lack of services adapted to their living conditions.

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KARUSI is an area with a predominantly young demographic structure. Adolescents and young adults are exposed to the risk of early and unwanted pregnancies resulting in unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted diseases and school dropouts. In addition, since the youngest children live in precarious conditions, their management of menstrual hygiene is also often poor.

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Due to the geographical and cultural nature of KARUSI province, access to information by youth and vulnerable groups in the province has been a serious problem. Most information on sexual and reproductive health and rights is not readily available. This is also due in part to the deliberate refusal of parents and other stakeholders to inform youth. 

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By initiating the IKIYAGO project between youth and parents, SaCoDé contribute to promote the health and well-being of children, adolescents and young adults; encouraging children, adolescents and young adults, especially young women, to continue their education (reduction of early pregnancies, reduction of STDs); and responding to the specific needs of adolescents and youth, especially young women.

Strengthening parent-child communication 

• The purpose of this project is to provide parents with information and communication skills about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) to better communicate with their children, adolescents, and young people. 

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• Adaptation of a parent training manual:

1. The development of a curriculum composed of three main chapters and nine sections is necessary to effectively build the communication skills of parents. Kirundi will be the language of this manual and it will include the following chapters: 

2. Describe the developmental stages of a child; 

3. Physiologically, psychologically, and socially characterize adolescents; 

4. Describe the issues associated with SRH in adolescents; 

5. Discuss the consequences of unsafe or unprotected sex; 

6. Describe the SRH needs of children, adolescents, and youth; 

7. Informing children, adolescents, and young people about their SRH rights; 

8. Describe the process of adopting responsible SRH behaviors; 

9. Better communication with children and adolescents about SRH; 

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• Explain the concept of family sex education. 

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• The training is typically designed to be held in rooms where participants can move around during certain exercises and role plays. During the training, parents will be separated from their children. However, sharing sessions will be held.