National TV Presenters Igor Benza and Benvindo Magalhães support a project that gives voice to young people
Giving voice to those who are left out of the big discussions, listening to what young people have to say about their problems and concerns, and discover innovative solutions for those who experience skin problems is the purpose of SMS Jovem, an initiative launched on December 5th, which allows young people to participate in surveys and receive reliable information on health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, youth unemployment, HIV/AIDS and epidemic outbreaks. All via a cell phone message. In Angola, the platform has the unconditional support of two important public figures, television presenters Igor Benza and Benvindo Magalhães.
Great initiatives deserve great friends. This is the case of SMS Jovem, a partnership between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF. The project is having a high impact on Angolan youth. In less than half a year, more than 41 thousand young people between 15 and 30 years old, above all, subscribed to this written message service, supported by the U-Report platform.
The SMS Jovem is attracting attention and public figures are giving it strength. Benvindo Magalhães is one of them. The well-known television presenter did not hesitate to accept the invitation to be one of the “friends” of SMS Jovem. When he got to know the project, he was amazed. “It's brilliant, a fantastic idea,” he exclaims. The presenter and entrepreneur see this platform as a true antidote to misinformation. "When young people have doubts about early pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, they look for answers on the street, usually among friends with no experience at all." The consequences can be severe. “Many people end up following the path of abortions, for example, putting their own lives at risk,” he warns. For Benvindo Magalhães, this is where “the SMS Jovem makes all the difference”. “Having informed answers to complex issues via a mobile phone message, without having to use the internet or digital platforms, can help solve many problems, or at least prevent them”, he considers.
Who does not hide his enthusiasm is the presenter and model Igor Benza. This big figure on national television is another official “friend” of SMS Jovem. With an eloquent speech, he has no doubts: “This is a beautiful opportunity for young people to exercise their citizenship”. “As citizens, we have the right to give our opinion, but we also must contribute to the growth and development of our country, creating opportunities to generate debate and raise questions. SMS Jovem is all this.”
For the presenter, this platform, which is supported by UNITEL, is also "a clear exercise of democracy and freedom of expression that allows people to give their opinions on what they would like to see implemented in the country." This reference from Igor Benza does not come by chance. In SMS Jovem, the responses that users send by text message (anonymous and free, underline) are converted into statistical data that is shared with the Angolan authorities and their civil society partners. A golden tool when drawing up policies that meet the real aspirations and needs of the Angolan youth.
This “interaction between our authorities and citizens” that SMS Jovem allows “is the best way to govern: conscious, inclusive governance with the people and for the people”, says Igor Benza. As he says, "these people are the ones who feel and struggle with the countless adversity in our country, so they have to be the ones to elucidate the authorities on how to solve the problems they live with daily”. And young people, he recalls, "are a large part of our country's population." "We must be aware of what they think."
Many eyes are attentive to what our people have to say. Cláudia Semedo is an example. The SMS Jovem's counselling and information analyst works at the center where users' messages are processed and where the magic that Igor Benza and Benvindo Magalhães praise so much happen. The importance of this project is vital, considers the activist. “There are areas where young people do not have access to information about sexual and reproductive health and they need lectures and counselling. When the subject is sexuality, many still have taboos and in our society, this is not a subject that is talked about much in families, so the doubts are many.” As an alternative, she continues, "through SMS Jovem, Angolan youth can clarify their doubts in an easy, secure and confidential way."
Cláudia Semedo participated in the project when she was a volunteer and activist for JIRO (Youth, Informed, Responsible and Organized). She participated in an SMS Jovem training and was selected to work on the project. When she took up her current role, she aimed “helping others” and “supporting youth using her knowledge on sexual and reproductive health”. However, unknowingly, she was immersing herself in a process of inner transformation. “Thanks to SMS Jovem, I now speak openly with my family about sexual and reproductive health, participate in debates on the topic and learn how to protect myself and family.” “The project has helped me a lot on a psychological, physical, emotional, personal and family level”, she confesses.
Young people like Cláudia Semedo want to have an active voice that reaches government officials and they are getting it. “This platform came at the right moment and at the right time”, underlines journalist Benvindo Magalhães, but we can go further, “much more”, believes model and television presenter Igor Benza. “Embrace this cause and don't miss this great opportunity”, he invites. “This platform exists to be heard, to share our opinion, to contribute to the development of our country. What is not good, what should improve, the things to work on, all of this has to be discussed herein SMS Jovem. Pay attention, participate and do your part!”
