Introduction
China Youth Network (CYN)is a youth volunteer organization that undertakes peer education on sexual and reproductive health and advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people(aged 10 to 24).
China Youth Network was initiated and established by China Famliy Planning Association(CFPA) in June 2004,with the support of United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) and Marie Stopes International(MSI).In carrying out our mission,CYN works collaboratively with a global network of highly respected and innovative organizations such as International Planned Parenthood Federation(IPPF),Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)and Marie Stopes International(MSI)and so on.
CYN promotes the implementation of the Program of Action developed at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD)in Cairo.The Program of Action emphasizes that sexual and reproductive health rights are basic human rights and that it is essential to address the specific sexual and reproductive health needs of young people.
Our vision
CYN envisages a China in which all young people’s voices are heard and all young people enjoy their sexual lives free from ill-health, unwanted pregnancy,violence and discrimination.
Our mission
To promote all young people’s rights and access to inclusive sexual and reproductive health information, education and quality, youth-friendly services.
Our cole values
- We believe effective sexual and reproductive health policies and programs require genuine youth participation.
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We believe young people’s lives should be free from all forms of discrimination, including those based on gender, marital status, sexuality, age and ethnic background.
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We believe sexual and reproductive health rights are human rights and should thus be enjoyed by all people, including young people.
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We believe that young people make meaningful contributions to decision-making processes when given opportunities and supported by adults.
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We believe young people’s views and perspectives should be recognized and valued by adults.
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We believe youth-adult partnerships create successful outcomes as they draw upon the abilities, strengths, experiences and perspectives of both young people and adults.
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We believe, when empowered, young people can become strong advocates for positive change.
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We believe all girls and young women have a right to lead their lives free from gender-based violence, including sexual violence and harassment.
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We believe that Chinese young people should have universal access to sexual and reproductive health information, education and services, regardless of their marital status.
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We believe that CYN belongs to all young people–diversity amongst CYN membership is vital and the views of all members are valued.
CYN structure
What we do
CYN undertakes and promotes peer education as a means of increasing young people’s knowledge on sexual and reproductive health.CYN’s training uses participatory methods to assist young people to develop life skills, form healthy relationships, promote correct information,take a responsible attitude and negotiate condom use.
Research shows that Chinese young people are much more likely to learn about sexual and reproductive health from their friends and class mates than their family members and teachers.Peer educators convey information more easily as they tend to have similar concerns and understand the experiences of other young people.CYN believes peer education makes use of peer influence in a positive way and is an empowering experience for young peer educators.
CYN supports local networks and university-based student associations to carry out peer education activities with university students, school students and out-of-school youth.Projects have specifically targeted young people working in hairdressing salons and those in youth detention centers and the army.In the future, CYN aims to place greater emphasis on reaching young migrant workers.
CYN members promote youth-adult partnership as a means of achieving genuine youth participation in policy formulation and programming.The partnering of youth-representatives with adult mentors in local counties has proved to be a successful model.
CYN members work in full partnership with staff from the China Family Planning Association (CFPA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Marie Stopes International (MSI)in developing, implementing and evaluating programs.Chinese government officials increasingly seek input from CYN members in relation to policy development and health service delivery.
CYN encourages wide youth participation in all its activities and supports the development of youth leadership skills.
In order to advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, CYN members regularly participate in meetings and consultations with government and non-government agencies. Advocacy activities are particularly focused on lobbying for unmarried young people to have the same rights and access to sexual and reproductive health services as married couples and for schools to consistently provide comprehensive sex education.
CYN is becoming increasingly active on a global level.CYN has built strong links with international agencies and youth organizations from other countries that advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people.Members participate in various global youth networks and benefit greatly from exchanging ideas and effective practices.
Core group members have served on the East and South East Asia and Oceania Regional Council and the Governing Council of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the Global Youth Advisory Panel of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)and on the Board of Directors of Youth Coalition.
Core group members have also participated in, and presented at, various international conferences.
CYN is an active partner in the development of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.CYN is increasingly collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Population and Family Planning Commission (NPFPC) in the design, promotion and evaluation of youth-friendly services throughout China.
CYN members contribute their ideas to ensure that sexual and reproductive health services are accessible to young people and meet their specific needs (including flexible opening times, strict confidentiality rules and non-judgmental support).CYN also promotes these health services during peer education activities to increase demand.
