Challenge 5
It can be difficult to get young people to trust you
Strategy
Developing instantaneous trust between you and young people is not always possible. Given the vastness of the neighborhoods, workplaces and urban environment, IPC activities can be beneficial if they allow for building trust and rapport among the participants and increasing their comfort in talking about personal issues with one another and with adults, before beginning the SRH messaging. Urban youth may feel alone in the big city in more ways than one, however, social support can come through SBCC activities. Adults who are supportive can find ways to let urban adolescents know that they are available for them. Peer support is also a very important opportunity that your program can encourage and promote.
Other strategies to increase the trust youth have in you and your program could include:
- Making sure you use trusted peer educators to help build the confidence of other youth.
- Creating a “youth-friendly” section across services, including health services, the police and the city council.
- Developing social activities to attract youth and gain their trust.
- Developing activities in partnership with young people and in places where youth and adults work together.