The Youth Advocacy Movement is one of the oldest youth group in Belize celebrating over 25 years of working with young people all across the country. With thousands of Alumni Members, YAM has grown to be one of the most dynamic and innovative approaches to addressing youth development in Belize. The YAM is a leader in Belize’s youth network which uses media, technology, peer education and advocacy to provoke change in young people, education systems, decision makers and government.
The YAM conduct activities in unique ways to address youth development particularly, their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs. Annual activities include, youth camps, community service projects, producing the BIGG CHATZ TV show, involvement and inputs in the Regional Caribbean Youth Network: aiming to share ideas and strategies for working with peers. The YAM continues to work with schools and in the community through trainings, support groups, recreational activities, media, press releases, and other events.
The YAM have had a significant impact on adolescent SRH programs and on communities as a whole, with its membership rooted in communities throughout Belize doing good and positively influencing and impacting others. The YAM strengthens the capacity of Belize’s youth population to provide effective support, information and leadership to youth in SRH, Advocacy and Governance. They serve as an effective voice to improve the quality of programs in adolescent SRH, to influence decision-makers, and advocate for policies, program, rights and good governance.
Highlights of some major achievements:
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Successful Peer Education Programmes in eight (8) High schools across Belize
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Successful Teen parenting awareness programmes with the Belize Youth Leadership Initiative-BYLI of the US Embassy
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Three(3) elected members of the Belize Youth Council including 1st Vice President
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Longest running Youth Radio/TV show BIGG Chatz
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Successful interactive community outreach program ‘KISS’ Keeping It Sexy & Safe
