A Community + Digital Youth Health and Advocacy Model

DEEPROOTS is a hybrid system that improves access to health information, services, and leadership opportunities for adolescents and young people by combining community engagement, digital platforms, mobile outreach, and policy advocacy.

The model works at three levels:

community level – bringing information and support closer to young people
digital level – providing confidential access to guidance and information
policy level – engaging leaders to address systemic barriers affecting youth health

Together, these components create a network that supports adolescents and young people while also influencing the environments in which they live.

The Challenge

Many adolescents and young people face barriers that limit their access to reliable health information and youth-friendly services.

These challenges include:

• limited access to accurate HIV prevention information
• stigma around discussing sexual and reproductive health
• harmful gender and masculinity norms
• distance between communities and health facilities
• limited engagement of young people in decision-making processes

DEEPROOTS addresses these challenges through a combination of community-based engagement, digital access, mobile outreach, and leadership advocacy.

The DEEPROOTS Model Components

The DEEPROOTS system operates through five interconnected components.

1. Community Information Kiosks

Community kiosks serve as local access points where adolescents and young people can obtain trusted information about HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and personal well-being.

These kiosks provide a safe space where young people can ask questions, receive guidance, and access referrals to youth-friendly services.

2. Peer Community Advisors

Peer Community Advisors are trained young leaders who support their peers with information, guidance, and referrals.

They conduct outreach activities, organize discussions, and connect young people with services and opportunities available in their communities.

Because they come from the same communities, they are trusted and accessible to other young people.

3. DEEPROOTS Mobile Van Kiosk

To reach communities that may not have permanent kiosks, DEEPROOTS operates a mobile van kiosk that moves between community spaces.

The mobile van stations in locations where young people gather, such as markets, schools, trading centers, and community events.

Through the mobile van, DEEPROOTS provides:

• health information and educational materials
• youth engagement sessions
• referrals to health services
• outreach activities that reach young people who may not visit fixed locations

This mobile approach helps extend the reach of the program to a wider number of communities.

4. Digital Support Platform

The DEEPROOTS digital platform allows adolescents and young people to access information and guidance through mobile and online channels.

Key digital tools include:

DEEPROOTS Toll-Free Line-0800323111
A confidential helpline where young people can ask questions and receive guidance on health issues and services.

Online Information Platform
A digital space providing youth-friendly information, resources, and educational content.

Digital Engagement Channels
Social media and online platforms that share accurate information and encourage positive health behaviors among young people.

The digital system ensures that young people can access information even when they cannot visit physical community spaces.

5. Community and Policy Advocacy

DEEPROOTS also engages community leaders, policymakers, and institutions to address the broader challenges affecting adolescents and young people.

Through advocacy and dialogue, the program works to:

• strengthen support for youth-friendly health services
• challenge harmful gender norms and stigma
• promote youth participation in community decision-making
• influence policies that affect adolescent and youth health

These engagements help create supportive environments where young people can access services and opportunities more easily.

How the System Works Together

The strength of DEEPROOTS lies in how its different components reinforce each other.

Young people can:

• receive information through community kiosks or mobile outreach
• speak with Peer Community Advisors
• ask confidential questions through the toll-free line
• access additional information online
• connect with youth-friendly health services
• participate in community discussions and leadership initiatives

At the same time, advocacy efforts ensure that community and national leaders support policies and environments that benefit young people.

Why the DEEPROOTS Model Matters

By combining community access, mobile outreach, digital engagement, and advocacy, DEEPROOTS creates a comprehensive support system for adolescents and young people.

The model strengthens community knowledge, expands access to services, and supports youth leadership while influencing the systems that shape young people’s health and opportunities.

Because the model is adaptable and community-driven, it can be expanded to reach new communities across Uganda.