Young people in Mwanza have called on the Ministry of Health to make Jiongeze Bonanza 360 a regular programme, saying it has helped them gain essential knowledge about reproductive health, disease prevention and making informed decisions about their well-being.
The appeal comes from participants who attended the three-day Jiongeze Bonanza 360, where health professionals provided education and information on issues affecting young people's health and daily lives.
Among the beneficiaries are Mjemba Edward from Butimba Secondary School, Madaha Joseph and Neema Mathias from Butimba Teachers College.
They said the initiative had improved their understanding of reproductive health and equipped them with practical knowledge to protect themselves and live healthier lives.
The young people highlighted several important lessons, including preventing gender-based and sexual violence, HIV and AIDS awareness, the importance of regular health check-ups, proper nutrition and accessing reliable health information and counselling through the toll-free number 199.
Edward said the education had helped him understand how young people can protect themselves against violence and make responsible decisions concerning their health.
"Through this bonanza, I have benefited from accurate information on preventing gender-based and sexual violence, HIV and AIDS awareness, and proper nutrition," he said.
The participants explained that the knowledge gained would not only benefit them personally but also enable them to share accurate health information with fellow students, friends and other young people in their communities.
They emphasised that extending the programme to more schools, colleges and communities would give more young people an opportunity to access health education and services, helping them avoid preventable health risks.
Jiongeze Bonanza 360 provides a platform where young people can interact with health professionals, seek clarification on sensitive health matters and obtain reliable information that supports their physical and social well-being.
The initiative is being implemented under the theme "Your Choices, Your Tomorrow," highlighting the importance of informed decisions in shaping a healthier future.
The three-day bonanza, which began on October 29, 2026, concludes today, October 31, at Butimba Teachers College grounds in Mwanza.
The participants' call for the programme to continue reflects the importance of sustained youth-focused health education in building informed communities and ensuring that young people have the knowledge they need to make healthy and responsible life choices.