Young Reporters is a model developed and piloted by Penta in 2022-23. It aims to democratise science and support better understanding of research in the communities most impacted by paediatric and adolescent infectious disease studies.
Each young reporter is recruited due of their passion for sharing research with their peers and the community, and their lived experiences. All young reporters join as adolescents (up to 19 years of age) and are trained and supported by Penta staff and our partners in health research to understand the science behind research, learn how to present research findings in a clear and understandable way and to safely post and engage with social media in a supported environment.
View the 2023 Young Reporters Portfolio
Follow the young reporters on Instagram and TikTok
Why we set up this project
Children and young people are often left behind in the sharing of scientific information and key scientific developments. The events where cutting-edge research is discussed and presented are not accessible to young people, so they are not there to be part of the discussion and dissemination
Young people spend an average of 3 hours a day on social media and often use it to find information. The quality and accuracy of what they find will vary. To address the gap in scientifically correct, youth-friendly, research information being shared by and with young people, we are upskilling young people from different countries and continents to use the social media channels that are most popular in their countries, to share key health messages and insights.
We are currently working with global independent healthcare communications consultancy 90ten, who are supporting the development and reach of this pilot.
Meet the 2024 Young Reporters
*Kehlani, 18, UK
Kehlani is an advocate for young people living with HIV. She has chaired the Chiva Youth Committee for the past two years, representing the voices and needs of young people living with HIV in the UK. Through her time in this role, she has been involved in campaigns, conferences and policy activities that have improved policy guidelines and practice, nationally. She was also part of Penta’s Youth Trial Boards, a project in which young people living with HIV participate in clinical trials. As part of this project, Kehlani contributed to the design and content of trial documents and gave advice on dissemination of results and implementation. She hopes to be a nurse one day and is passionate about making science simple for young people.
*Chanachai, 19, Thailand
Chanachai is proud to be a part of the Buddy CU Leadership Group at their local hospital’s Buddy Clinic, a youth-focused sexual and mental health clinic. Through this role, they have been supporting fellow adolescents and advocating for better healthcare access for all. Chanachai also participated as a Global Advisory Group member on a Penta project called LAAG, which explored adolescents’ understanding of long-acting treatments. Additionally, Chanachai is a Humanities and Social Sciences freshman, with a dream to become an art and culture teacher. They are passionate about soaking up new experiences and knowledge.
*RK, 21, Uganda
RK is an adolescent peer supporter and public speaker, working with young people to improve their adherence, engagement in care and understanding how to live well with HIV. She is particularly interested in advocating for good mental health for young people; she creates TikTok videos sharing knowledge with them to support their well-being. RK recently participated as a Global Advisory Group member on a Penta project called LAAG, which explored adolescents’ understanding of long-acting treatments. Through her involvement in this, she has started to do more advocacy relating to access to treatment for women and girls who face gender-based violence.
Meet the 2023 Young Reporters
*Esther, 19, Brazil
I am a young reporter because I want to help young people living with HIV to have space for questions and answers about medicines, treatments, how to get help, doubts and difficulties in general
*Pieet, 19, India
I am a young reporter because I want to help change the stigma around HIV by sharing information, so people can live with respect and dignity.
*Enhle, 18, South Africa
I am a young reporter because I want young people like me to not be scared about science and medicine. Sharing knowledge with young people is important.
For more information about Young Reporters or to discuss having your own Young Reporters, please contact: network@pentafoundation.org
The Young Reporters project is funded by ViiV Healthcare and Gilead.
*Names have been changed to respect the privacy of our Young Reporters