Project HUGUVARA
Harnessing Unlimited Growth by Uplifting Vulnerable Adolescent Girls through Resilient Awareness
HUGUVARA—meaning Hope—is a bold initiative led by IntraHealth Namibia and proudly supported by the Capricorn Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture.
The project is designed to uplift vulnerable adolescent girls in the Kavango Regions by addressing the root causes of HIV transmission and unintended pregnancies. Through school-based digital screening, girls are identified by their level of risk and enrolled into tailored support packages. These include comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, psychosocial support, peer mentorship, and access to HIV and STI prevention services.
Safe spaces are created within schools and communities to ensure girls receive care in environments that foster trust and dignity. HUGUVARA also strengthens referral systems between schools and public health facilities, while actively engaging families, caregivers, and adolescent boys to build a supportive and stigma-free community.
By focusing on prevention, education, and resilience, the project aims to reduce school dropouts, lower HIV risk, and empower girls to shape a healthier future.