Empowering Change: Leinisia Mashaka Amlike’s Journey with Youth-Friendly Services
Leinisia Mashaka Amlike, a dedicated healthcare provider for the Sauti ya Vijana (SYV) project in Iringa MC, has experienced a transformative journey in her career and personal life since she became involved with the program. As a clinical officer at Kitanzini Dispensary for three years, Leinisia’s work has had a significant impact, not only on her own life but also on the youth and the community she serves.
Before joining the SYV project, Leinisia had limited knowledge about family planning methods. Though she had worked as a clinical officer in Mbeya region for several years, her understanding of family planning services was restricted to basic, local methods. However, everything changed when she received a six-day training on youth-friendly services through the SYV project in June 2023. This training marked the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey and significantly altered her approach to healthcare provision.
Leinisia’s transformation as a healthcare provider began immediately after the training when she started conducting Youth Weekend Clinics (YWCs). This new experience helped her understand better the unique needs and language of youth. Reflecting on her earlier experiences, Leinisia acknowledges how her approach to certain situations had been misguided. She recalls instances when young adolescents came to her seeking advice about abortion. At that time, she would encourage them to keep the pregnancy, without fully understanding their circumstances. “I used to receive adolescents who wanted to have an abortion, but I strongly discouraged them, without considering their ability to raise a child. I was unfair to my people. I think I contributed to their miserable lives. If I had listened to their reasons, they wouldn’t be struggling to raise their babies now,” Leinisia shared with deep regret.
Her transformation was not limited to her personal reflections, it also led to positive change in the community. The training enhanced her ability to communicate more effectively with young people, and her dedication to family planning education became a vital part of her work. Initially, Leinisia faced challenges convincing breastfeeding mothers to use family planning methods, but over time, she found her confidence and passion for providing SRH education to be instrumental in changing attitudes.
“The SYV program has not only contributed to a positive change in my life, but it has also had a profound impact on the community. I now visit schools to educate students about Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and a large number of young people are now attending the weekend clinic activities. This has contributed to a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies,” explained Leinisia.
Leinisia’s efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the number of young people accessing family planning services. 
She observed that before the SYV project, very few young people sought family planning services at the facility, but the SYV program has changed that dynamic. “The attendance for family planning services at the facility has greatly increased, and the number of youths accessing these services is much higher compared to before the SYV project started,” she added.
Leinisia also emphasized the importance of long-term support for youth-friendly services. “The government should support these projects so that their sustainability is ensured. When young people can plan the number of children they want, they can focus on improving their lives, which in turn helps increase productivity and reduce poverty,” she added.
Her involvement with the SYV program has also turned her into a beloved figure among the youth. 
Leinisia has become a trusted friend and mentor to many, spending her weekends guiding young people and providing them with essential SRH knowledge. She has even been invited to visit schools to talk about SRH, a significant shift from before the SYV project when no schools had approached her for such visits.
Before the SYV program, I was never invited to teach young people about SRH services. The invitations started after I completed the Youth-Friendly Services training, and I began reaching out to young people to join our weekend clinics. These clinics have not only empowered the youth with essential knowledge but have also provided them with a productive way to spend their weekends, keeping them away from negative influences. Parents are now more supportive and willingly allow their children to attend the sessions,” Leinisia shared.
Leinisia’s journey with the SYV project is a testament to the power of education, empathy, and the commitment of healthcare providers to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Through her hard work and dedication, Leinisia has not only transformed her own career but has also positively impacted the lives of many adolescents in her community.
