Being a man is also respecting and protecting.

In the community of Sanzala, in Regedoria, municipality of Viana, lives the boy Hélder José, 15 years old, lives a transformation that began unexpectedly. A 9th grade student, he says that when he first heard about the Minha Kamba program, he did not imagine that that experience would change the way he saw his life, relationships and his role in the community.

"When I started hearing about the Minha Kamba project, I thought it was just a joke because of the way my neighbors spoke and I didn't care much," she recalls. But after being invited by an older neighbor to participate, (Tia Filipa) I started to like it a lot."

Throughout the training sessions, Helder had contact for the first time with topics such as sexual and reproductive health, disease prevention, gender equality and positive masculinity. For him, these conversations opened doors to knowledge that he had never learned at school, on the street or even at home.

"I learned about sexual and reproductive health, something I didn't know before, nor what puberty was. I came to understand how to prevent certain diseases and the importance of using condoms," he explains.

But more than technical information, the program also brought a new way of looking at human relationships, Helder says that he began to better understand the value of respect and responsibility in relationships.

One of the themes that most marked the adolescent was the concept of positive masculinity, an approach that encourages boys to develop healthy, respectful and responsible behaviors.

"Before, I had a very limited idea of what it is to be a man. Now I have learned that being a man does not depend only on the body, but also on the way you act, take care of yourself and respect others."

Minha Kamba, a UNICEF community initiative supported by partnerships with the Ministry of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion (MASFAMU) and civil society, which works to prevent teenage pregnancy through knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Angola.

A young agent of change!

Participating in the program has not only changed the way Helder thinks, but also the way he behaves on a day-to-day basis.

At school, for example, he says he started to look differently at situations that were previously a reason for judgment among classmates.

"When I saw a pregnant classmate at school, I learned that it is not to judge, but to support and guide."

At home, the impact is also visible. Parents follow with interest your participation in the program's activities and encourage you to continue.

"When I told my dad what I was learning, he wanted to know more. I explained that we learned about sexual health, disease prevention, gender, violence, and positive masculinity. They are very supportive and tell me to keep going."

Today, Helder feels confident to share the knowledge acquired with other people, including friends and his own family.

New opportunities and new dreams

In addition to training in positive masculinity, the program also opened doors to new opportunities for personal development. Helder participated in a manicure and pedicure training, which allowed him to take the first steps of financial autonomy.

"My life changed a lot when I started the manicure and pedicure course. Now I can earn some money and even buy school supplies with my own money."

For him, this achievement represents much more than learning a profession, it means believing in one's own potential.

"I am very grateful to the trainers who supported me. I want to help other people to join the project and learn."

Inspiring other young people

Today, he dreams of taking what he has learned to other teenagers in his community. He intends to create, together with other teenagers, neighborhood clubs where they can discuss topics such as sexual and reproductive health, positive masculinity and making responsible choices.

In the community where he lives, many young people face challenges such as drug consumption and lack of opportunities. For Helder, information and dialogue can be powerful tools to change this reality.

"I want to help other young people in my community by mentoring them and inviting them to participate in neighborhood clubs. I want to see my community healthier and more aware."

For him, the meaning of the Minha Kamba program is simple, but profound.

"For me, the Minha Kamba project means care and affection. I learned many things that I didn't learn on the street or at home."

Today, Helder is not only a beneficiary of the program, but he has also become an empowered, future-ready teenager determined to share knowledge and contribute to a more informed, respectful, and healthy generation.

Funded by the Finnish Committee for UNICEF, "Minha Kamba" has been empowering adolescents through a mentoring system. The pilot program was launched in the municipality of Viana, Luanda province, where girls and boys face increased risks related to teenage pregnancy.