Angolan Youth: A Behavioral Perspective

Angola is a country on the west-central coast of Southern Africa. It is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and is the seventh-largest country in Africa. The country has a rich history and culture, with influences from its time as a Portuguese colony as well as from the indigenous customs and traditions of its native people.

The behaviour of Angola's youth is heavily influenced by their cultural heritage, and they are actively involved in bringing about positive behavioural changes in their communities. For instance, young people in Angola are leading the way in promoting gender equality and raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health, including family planning and STI/HIV prevention. Additionally, music and dance are integral parts of Angolan culture, and young people are passionate about genres such as Kizomba, Tarraxinha, Semba, and Kuduro. In fact, children in Angola often learn to dance as soon as they start walking, showcasing the importance of this art form in their culture.

While Angola has made significant progress in recent years, it continues to face challenges such as poverty, inequality, and political factionalism. The country also struggles with corruption, particularly in the oil sector, which has contributed to governance issues and kept many Angolans in deep poverty. Despite these challenges, Angola's youth remain resilient and actively work towards creating a better future for themselves and their communities.

Alcohol and drug use: In Luanda, 40% of young people aged 12-19 have consumed alcohol, and the average age for first sexual intercourse is 14

Alcohol and drug use among young people in Luanda, Angola, is a cause for concern, with early experimentation and risky behaviours leading to potential harm and negative consequences. According to statistics, 40% of individuals aged 12-19 in Luanda have consumed alcohol, indicating a significant proportion of underage drinking. This is especially worrying given that the average age for first sexual intercourse among this age group is 14.

Underage drinking is a serious public health issue, and in Luanda, it appears to be prevalent. Alcohol is easily accessible to adolescents, and their drinking habits are influenced by their peers and family members. The social and cultural environment plays a role in normalising alcohol consumption at a young age. This early initiation can have detrimental effects on brain development, increasing the risk of alcohol-related brain injury and cognitive problems. It also elevates the chances of engaging in risky behaviours, such as unsafe sex, drinking and driving, and violence.

Furthermore, drinking patterns differ by age and gender. Drinking often begins during adolescence and becomes more likely as teens get older. However, it's important to note that in recent years, there has been a shift, with girls reporting more alcohol use and binge drinking than boys.

To address this issue, comprehensive interventions are necessary. These should include counselling for adolescents, integrated care packages addressing sexual reproductive health, substance use, and mental health, as well as strict laws and rehabilitation centres to reduce alcohol and drug use. Additionally, family and community involvement is crucial to creating a supportive environment that discourages substance abuse.

Education: Students in Luanda receive training on improving sexual and reproductive health

In an effort to empower young people in Angola and promote healthier lifestyles, students in Luanda are now receiving specialized training on sexual and reproductive health. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Angola's youth and to encourage positive behavior change.

The training sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, providing students with comprehensive information and skills-based education. They cover a range of topics, including sexual and reproductive health rights, consent, and healthy relationships, as well as the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. By equipping young people with this knowledge, the program aims to foster a culture of responsibility and self-care.

One of the key focuses of these sessions is to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual health, providing scientifically accurate information in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. Students are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns, with trained facilitators creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. This approach helps to ensure that young people have accurate information upon which to base their decisions and empowers them to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

In addition to the educational component, the program also offers practical skills-building sessions. These sessions teach young people about goal-setting, decision-making, and effective communication, providing them with the tools they need to navigate relationships and sexual health matters confidently and responsibly. By combining knowledge with practical skills, the program aims to have a lasting impact on the behaviors and attitudes of Angola's youth.

By investing in the education and well-being of its youth, Angola is taking important steps toward creating a healthier and more resilient future generation. These training initiatives are a positive step toward empowering young people to take control of their sexual and reproductive health and making informed choices that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Gender equality: Girls face discrimination and judgement, and often feel pressured to help at home, which can lead to risky behaviours

Angola has made efforts to promote gender equality and protect women's rights. In 2013, the country approved a national gender equality policy, which has resulted in increased representation of women in decision-making positions. As of 2024, women make up 30.5% of Members of Parliament, 19.5% of Ministers, 16.4% of Secretaries of State, 11% of Governors, and 40% of foreign service staff.

However, girls in Angola continue to face discrimination and judgment and often feel pressured to help at home, which can lead to risky behaviours. According to Daniela Isabel Raimundo Ngunza, a 26-year-old volunteer activist with the JIRO (Responsible and Organized Informed Youth) group in Viana, girls in Angola are discriminated against and judged, and they often feel pressured to help at home. This can lead them to make risky choices, such as getting involved with the wrong people.

A study by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2016 found that in Luanda, 40% of young people between the ages of 12 and 19 have used alcohol, and the average age of first sexual intercourse is 14 years old. Additionally, 41% of girls in this age group have already experienced pregnancy.

To address these issues, the Angolan government has implemented various initiatives. The JIRO program, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), promotes positive behaviors in youths and adolescents through education on sexual and reproductive health, family planning, gender, and STI/HIV. The "My Family, My Inspiration" initiative also aims to change behaviors and attitudes towards women, while the "Born with Registration" project works to expand birth registration in rural areas.

Despite these efforts, societal discrimination against women remains a problem, particularly in rural areas, where customary law often takes precedence over civil law and perpetuates patriarchal norms and practices that hinder gender equality.

Digital empowerment: Access to digital platforms and information can empower young Angolans, particularly regarding health and education

Angola has a youthful population, with 47% under the age of 15 and 66% under the age of 25. Digital empowerment of young Angolans is a crucial aspect of their development, particularly regarding health and education.

Health

Angola has a high prevalence of HIV, with 2% of the adult population aged 15-49 affected. This issue is particularly relevant to young people, as is the case with STIs and unintended pregnancies. The country also faces challenges with malaria, which is a leading cause of school absenteeism.

The Safeguard Young People programme (SYP) is a successful initiative that empowers young people to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health. The programme provides knowledge about STIs, HIV, and sexual and reproductive health, as well as life skills. It promotes protective behaviours and helps young people make informed decisions about their health.

Education

Angola's youth face challenges in the education system, with a high dropout rate, particularly among adolescent girls. Investing in girls' education and empowerment is crucial for the country's future, as it can help reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue of school closures and dropout rates. However, organisations like UNICEF and civil society youth organisations are working tirelessly to promote youth employability and ensure a brighter future for Angola's youth.

Digital Empowerment

Digital platforms and information access can play a significant role in empowering young Angolans in the areas of health and education. Digital tools can provide accurate and up-to-date information about health issues, such as STIs, HIV, and reproductive health, helping to dispel myths and misconceptions.

Additionally, digital resources can enhance the accessibility and quality of education, especially during school closures due to the pandemic. Online learning platforms and digital educational resources can ensure that young Angolans have continued access to learning opportunities, even when schools are temporarily closed.

Furthermore, digital platforms can facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices among youth organisations, enabling them to collaborate more effectively and amplify their impact. This can include the use of social media, online forums, and other digital tools to connect and engage with young people, sharing information about available resources, services, and opportunities.

In conclusion, digital empowerment through access to digital platforms and information is a powerful tool for addressing the health and education needs of young Angolans. By leveraging technology, Angola can better equip its youth with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives, ultimately contributing to the country's social and economic development.

Cultural expression: Music and dance are integral to Angolan culture, with children learning to dance from a young age and street sellers dancing in the middle of the road

Music and dance are integral to Angolan culture, with dance styles varying across the country. The capital, Luanda, is home to a diverse group of styles, including kazukuta, semba, kizomba, and kuduro. Semba, in particular, has been popular in Angola for a long time, even before the country gained independence from the Portuguese colonial system in 1975.

Children in Angola learn to dance from a young age, and dance is used to help children access a better life. For example, the Ghetto Kids, a group of young dancers from Uganda, gained global recognition in 2017 with their dance video to the Afro house song Marimba Rija by Angolan musician Dotorado Pro. The video, choreographed by the Rwanda-born choreographer Sherrie Silver, combined traditional dance elements with original, creative moves.

Dance is also used to express joy and bring people together. For instance, the song "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas is about "love and feeling free enough to dance in the street." The song has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and ages, as evidenced by a story of strangers in a hospital cafeteria singing and dancing together to the song.

In addition to children, street sellers in Angola are also known to dance in the middle of the road, bringing energy and positivity to their work. While this may be seen as unsafe or disruptive in some cultures, it is a form of expression and celebration in Angolan culture.

Angola's music and dance have also influenced other countries, particularly the Lusophone and Latin American countries. Angolan music has been shaped by wider musical trends and the country's political history, with Cuban music deeply influencing Angolan popular music in the early 1980s.

Overall, music and dance play a crucial role in shaping Angolan culture, fostering community, joy, and self-expression.

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