At 19, Esther, a college student in Makurdi, Benue State, struggled with questions she was too afraid to ask. “I
wanted to know about contraception, but there was no one I could trust to talk to,” she recalls. “Anytime I tried to ask, people would judge me, making me feel ashamed.”
Esther’s experience is not unique. Across Benue State, young people—especially women and girls—face significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Cultural stigma, misinformation, and a lack of youth-friendly services leave many without the tools to make informed decisions about their health.
Yet, Esther’s story doesn’t end in silence. Instead, it marks the beginning of a transformative journey made possible by the EVA Youth World youth-friendly center in Makurdi. Here, Esther found a safe space filled with knowledgeable counselors who not only provided answers but also empowered her with resources and guidance to take control of her health.
“For the first time, I felt heard, understood, and supported,” Esther says. “It wasn’t just about contraception—it was about learning my rights and having the confidence to make decisions for myself.”
Esther’s initial struggles reflect the systemic obstacles many young people in Benue face. These include:
The EVA Youth World youth-friendly center in Makurdi serves as a beacon of hope, offering vital SRHR services in an environment built on trust, empathy, and empowerment.
The impact goes beyond numbers. The center fosters a culture of support and understanding, equipping young people with the tools to lead healthier, more informed lives and through outreach programs, taboo topics like contraception and SRHR are being addressed, encouraging young people to engage openly.
Building on the success of the Makurdi center, we’ve expanded our community engagement efforts across Benue State. Through the Increase Sexual and Reproductive Autonomy among Women and Girls in Nigeria project, supported by IPAS, we’re tackling the challenges faced by adolescents and young people. Our innovative, youth-centered approach challenges harmful norms and empowers local communities to drive positive change.
Education as a Vaccine (EVA) 
