Proposal

FloraCare project description.

• Description of the target social issue:

Our project adheres to Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being of the UN Goals. In specific, we target sections 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 3.3.1 – 3.4, 3.4.2 – 3.7.

FloraCare aims to address the prevalent issue of adolescent pregnancy, recognizing its multifaceted impact on individuals, families, communities, and societies. Adolescent pregnancy refers to pregnancies occurring in individuals aged 12-19 years old. This issue is of significant concern due to its far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the adolescents themselves but also their families, communities, and the broader society.

Adolescent pregnancy is a pressing social issue because it poses significant risks to the health and well-being of both the adolescent mothers and their babies. Adolescent mothers face higher risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including maternal mortality, as their bodies may not yet be fully developed to handle childbirth. Furthermore, adolescent mothers are more likely to experience social isolation, economic instability, and educational disruption, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting their future opportunities.

The scale and scope of adolescent pregnancy are substantial, with millions of adolescents worldwide experiencing pregnancy each year. FloraCare targets Vietnam first as this is where we are based. Furthermore, the Vietnamese demographic suffer from a lack of exposure with this problem despite it being a very relevant issue recently amongst the youth. In addition to the direct impact on adolescent mothers and their children, adolescent pregnancy also strains healthcare systems, social services, and educational institutions, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions.

The root causes of adolescent pregnancy are complex and multifaceted, stemming from a combination of social, economic, cultural, and individual factors. We can delve deeper into understanding the underlying causes:

1. Lack of Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Inadequate access to comprehensive sexuality education leaves adolescents ill-equipped to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This gap in knowledge contributes to risky sexual behaviors and unintended pregnancies.
2. Socioeconomic Disparities: Adolescents from marginalized communities, including those living in poverty or with limited access to education and healthcare, face heightened risks of early pregnancy. Socioeconomic factors such as lack of employment opportunities and limited access to contraceptives exacerbate these disparities.
3. Limited Access to Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare: Barriers such as cost, stigma, and lack of healthcare infrastructure prevent adolescents from accessing contraceptives and reproductive healthcare services. This lack of access increases the likelihood of unintended pregnancies and limits adolescents’ ability to make autonomous choices about their reproductive health.
4. Social Norms and Peer Pressure: Peer pressure, societal expectations, and cultural beliefs surrounding early marriage and parenthood influence adolescents’ decisions regarding sexual activity and contraception. These norms may normalize early pregnancy and discourage discussions about safer sex practices.

By addressing these root causes comprehensively, FloraCare aims to empower adolescents with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately reducing the prevalence

Currently, various organizations and stakeholders are working to address adolescent pregnancy through a range of interventions, including:

1. Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Organizations offer access to contraceptives, family planning services, and reproductive healthcare to prevent unintended pregnancies among adolescents.
2. Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Some initiatives focus on providing comprehensive sexuality education in schools and communities to equip adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
3. Economic Empowerment Programs: Interventions aimed at addressing socioeconomic disparities and empowering adolescent girls through education, vocational training, and economic opportunities seek to reduce the risk of early pregnancy by enhancing girls’ agency and future prospects.

However, despite these efforts, several challenges persist:

• Fragmentation of Services: The delivery of services may be fragmented, with gaps in coordination and integration between different sectors, limiting the effectiveness of interventions.
• Stigma and Cultural Barriers: Stigma surrounding adolescent sexuality and reproductive health may deter adolescents from seeking care or accessing information, particularly in conservative or culturally restrictive settings.
• Limited Accessibility: Access barriers such as geographic remoteness, cost, and lack of awareness may prevent adolescents, particularly those from marginalized communities, from accessing essential services and information.
• Crisis-Oriented Approach: Many existing solutions focus on mitigating the immediate consequences of adolescent pregnancy rather than addressing its root causes comprehensively. FloraCare recognizes the importance of adopting a vision-oriented approach, aiming not only to prevent adolescent pregnancy but also to empower adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy choices and fulfill their potential.

By leveraging innovative approaches, partnerships, and community engagement, FloraCare seeks to complement existing efforts and contribute to a holistic response to the issue of adolescent pregnancy, promoting the health, rights, and well-being of adolescents globally.

• Proposed solution:

FloraCare aims to provide a definitive solution for the Vietnamese demographic based on three main resources:

1. Website & Fan page: Our media and marketing initiatives will solely base on our fan page and main website. Our FB fan page will be main host for all of our social media platforms. It will host all updates regarding FloraCare and we will also be sharing valuable information through it.

The website is where we will post articles and educational information regarding adolescent pregnancy. It will also host other researches and information about FloraCare.

2. Books/Magazine: We plan to deploy articles on several magazine for teenagers. A book will also be in the making to talk about cases that had happened in Vietnam about adolescent pregnancy combined with information and knowledge for sexual health and other related topics.
3. Physical product: Currently, we plan to launch a toy line where it acts as a “panic button” or a go-to solution for the adolescents if they were to face pregnancy or problems related to their sexual health.

Through these 3 resources, our vision at FloraCare is a future where every adolescent has the tools and confidence to make responsible choices regarding their sexual health and well-being. Through our efforts, we aspire to create a community where all youth can blossom into resilient, empowered individuals capable of achieving their fullest potential.