Mercy Mukalere

Straight Talk Foundation

Straight Talk Foundation (STF) is a Ugandan NGO specializing in Communication for Social Change. STF grew out of the Straight Talk newspaper, first published in 1993 with funding support from UNICEF, and was registered in Uganda as an NGO in 1997. Using a multifaceted Communication for Social Change model that includes radio, print, and face-to-face programming, STF targets adolescents aged 10-19 years old—in and out of school, married and unmarried, male and female—with direct and relevant sexual & reproductive health (SRH) information and complementary life skills trainings.With this multi-faceted approach, STF aims to foster a healthy, educated, prosperous and peaceful Uganda by working with adolescents and adults to improve adolescent well-being. We work to empower adolescents—especially girls and those living in poverty and conflict areas—to stay in school, live secure and satisfying lives, protect themselves from HIV/STDs and unwanted pregnancies, and live positively with HIV. STF produces mass media programs that educate young people about sexuality, inform them of their sexual rights, and facilitate cogent dialogue about sexual health.