1. Background (brief history)

LoveLife is a youth-focused HIV prevention initiative in South Africa with a holistic approach. It is a not-for-profit organization that promotes AIDS-free living among South African youth aged between 12 and 19 by employing a holistic approach to youth development and behavior change. It was launched in late 1999 as a joint initiative of leading South African non-government organizations and the South African government, in partnership with several private foundations and private sector support. In 2013, it was re-launched with a new brand proposition, “Powering the Future”, and positioned itself as organization that addresses not only HIV prevention, but also a range of social ills that affect youth.

The NGO is spread throughout South Africa, with 9 provincial offices and 24 regional offices, and 16 youth centers.

 

Website: 

 

   2. Areas of expertise

The loveLife initiative targets young South Africans through a number of programs in the following areas:

• Community outreach through media campaigns

• Youth-specialized centers and clinics

• Job and internship promotion to youth

• Mentorship programs

• Educational programs

• Publications and statistical research

• Tollfree helplines

• Partnerships with the South African governments to improve health services, among others

   

   3. Strengths in the ICPD

Through its youth leadership development programs, loveLife works in a number of ICPD-related topics. It contributes to youth empowerment, education and employment, targeting youth dividend, it contributes for reproductive health and sexual education, among other subjects.

 

   4. Quality assurance/ previous evaluation

The organization is largely funded by the South African National Government, through the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development and the Sports and Recreation South Africa. It has also renowned funders such as the UNFPA and the German International Cooperation (GIZ). Its work has been recognized as an effective and successful initiative by the World Health Organization.

 

   5. Experience in South-South Cooperation initiatives

No records of South-South Cooperation initiatives were found. However, HIV and AIDS prevention was declared a focal area of South African–German development cooperation in 2010, and as a result GIZ has supported loveLife with expert advice and skills transfer in the areas of communication, evaluation and programme implementation. The organization has, therefore, worked with both international partners and governments.