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On 17 October 2025, the Nyandeni Local Municipality welcomed the launch of the Adolescent Youth Friendly Services (AYFS), also known as the Youth Corner, at Ntaphane Clinic in Gxulu Village. The initiative was introduced by the Department of Health. It aims to create a safe and supportive space for young people. The Youth Corner will help them access health services, receive guidance, and make informed lifestyle choices.
What Happened
The Youth Corner was officially launched on 17 October 2025 in Gxulu Village. It focuses on providing confidential and youth-friendly health services, including reproductive health education, mental health support, and wellness awareness programmes. The project also seeks to curb rising teenage pregnancy rates and promote responsible lifestyle choices among adolescents.
Official Response
Nyandeni Local Municipality expressed strong support for the programme, calling it a “timely and much-needed investment in youth well-being.” Health officials said the Youth Corner will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other rural clinics. “The goal is to make our clinics safe, welcoming, and informative for young people,” a Department of Health representative said during the launch.
Community Impact
The initiative is expected to empower youth with accurate information, encourage early health-seeking behaviour, and strengthen the community’s fight against social challenges such as substance abuse and unplanned pregnancies. Parents and local leaders praised the programme for bringing hope and inclusivity to rural healthcare.
