Leaving a Good Footprint for Young People’s Health

After learning more about YHP, Najwa delved into the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that YHP focuses on. Najwa believes she can help people around her get their right to health through YHP. “After following further, I feel that YHP’s activities and programs are really fun and suitable for me who really likes and wants to learn about youth health topics,” said Najwa.

When she became a peer educator, Najwa’s friends’ initial impressions and reactions were shocking because before, Najwa rarely appeared to speak in public. However, all of Najwa’s friends were very supportive of Najwa’s efforts. “I am grateful that during my time as a peer educator, I haven’t encountered any external obstacles, it’s more about my lack of confidence,” said Najwa.

In overcoming her lack of confidence, Najwa also participated in providing health education to her friends at school, through online media, such as WhatsApp, social media. And Najwa was once a YHP representative to speak about NCD prevention in front of her school classmates during the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). For Najwa, speaking in front of her class during MPLS was her most memorable experience as a peer educator. This is in line with the role of peer educators, which aims to educate health to young people of the same age. At that time, Najwa and her fellow Peer Educators at her school raised the topic of “Life Without Smoking”. For Najwa, this was an exciting experience because the students were enthusiastic and interactive in asking questions.

“I was nervous at first, but because I had gained knowledge and information about health-related topics from YHP’s peer educator training, I was confident to deliver it to my classmates. Of course, it cannot be separated from the role of YHP mentors who were very helpful during the material delivery exercises, and the support of fellow peer educators at school,” said Najwa. In addition, the positive change felt by Najwa during her time as a Peer Educator is that she has become more aware of several things that have become a lifestyle. Especially about a healthy diet, although Najwa assesses that her diet is not perfectly ideal, but Najwa tries slowly to eat a nutritious and balanced diet, starting from small things such as paying attention to the daily dose of salt & sugar. In addition, Najwa tries to implement adequate physical activity, with physical exercise for a few minutes every day even if only at home. Najwa also tries to manage her emotions to prevent stress and maintain emotional well-being.

Najwa has now graduated from high school and is ready to continue her studies at university. Najwa chose the public health study program to continue her education in college, because according to Najwa, it is related to her activities as a YHP peer educator. Najwa is determined to learn more about health topics, especially for young people. Even though she has graduated and is ready to leave a good legacy for her younger siblings, Najwa is still willing to be invited to YHP activities outside of school when she is in college.

“If there are YHP activities, try to follow them well! Because it adds knowledge and experience. Don’t be afraid if you are directed by YHP supervisors to participate in activities such as public sharing. Hopefully, the next generation of YHP can bring change to a better society,” Najwa advised her successors. Author: Anis