Utilizing Alternative Platforms in SRHR Programming During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe: Grassroot Soccer SKILLZ Magazines

Abstract for Preformed Panel Presentation from the 2022 International SBCC Summit in Morocco:

"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grassroot Soccer (GRS) was forced to adapt regular sport-based group SRH programming for adolescents. GRS programming uses evidence-based health curricula known as 'SKILLZ' which uses soccer language and activities to convey key health messages. Trained young adult 'Coaches' from the community usually deliver SKILLZ interventions to groups of 20-25 adolescents at schools and other venues. Given the limited access that VYAs aged 10-14 have to mobile phones and networks in Zimbabwe, mobile phone-based programming was not an option to respond to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, GRS developed a youth-friendly comic-book style SKILLZ Magazine to continue reaching VYAs with key SRH curriculum information and written activities. Coaches delivered magazines to adolescent participants individually at their homes, and visited each participant at least three times over three months to complete the intervention. Pre/post tests administered to 10% of participants showed greater overall improvement among magazine participants in 2020 and 2021 compared to in-person group participants in 2020. The cost per 'graduate' for SKILLZ Core Magazines was $5.92, comparable to that of regular interventions ($5.35). The 1:1 delivery of the magazine-based programming allowed more personal interactions between Coaches and participants, and parents reported discussing program topics with their children and other family members. The development of the SKILLZ Core Magazine not only allowed GRS to continue to reach participants during pandemic restrictions but gave adolescents an enduring resource to refer to as questions arise during their development."