The SMS Jovem platform currently has 105,857 users from different provinces of Angola, with whom the call centre counsellors interact on a daily basis.

SMS Jovem is an innovative initiative that offers a free and confidential messaging service to support adolescents and young people on issues related to sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (GBV) and other topics of interest to them.

More than an information tool, SMS Jovem is also a channel for dialogue between young people and the Angolan government, promoting spaces for public participation through surveys. With this feature, young people can express their opinions on topics such as education, water, sanitation and hygiene, youth unemployment, epidemic outbreaks, among others, contributing to the formulation of policies that are more in line with their needs.

How to take part in SMS Joven?
Joining SMS Jovem is simple and accessible to everyone. Just send a message to the number 140 with the word JUNTAR and follow the instructions. You don't need to have internet access or a smartphone, as communication is done exclusively via messages on the mobile network.

How does it work?
After registering, users can send their questions to the 140 number and receive reliable, personalised answers. In addition, the platform carries out regular surveys on the issues that most impact adolescents and young people, allowing the government and civil society organisations to gather valuable insights for the development of policies and programmes aimed at Angolan youth.

Who answers the messages?
Questions sent to SMS Jovem are answered by counsellors specialised in various areas, ensuring that the information shared is safe, correct and adapted to the needs of adolescents and young people.

About the initiative
SMS Jovem is implemented by the Government of Angola, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and has been running since 2020. 

SMS Jovem is an adaptation of the U-Report platform, which is present in 68 countries and has more than 11 million users worldwide. In Africa, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Nigeria and Mozambique.

For more information, send a message to 140 and find out how SMS Joven can help you clear up your doubts!

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Editor: Dorivaldo Caetano, Social Media Associate