"Being active in civil society is a way for young people to create a better society for themselves."

Alexandra, age 23,  is a student in psychology and in the 7 years she has been a volunteer and board member of IPPF member association, HERA, she has moved from peer education work to advocacy work and research on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of young people.

For Aleksandra, volunteering has played an important role in her personal development.

"I have become more informed about my health, more tolerant towards others. In my neighborhood, I am often seen as the one to turn to for the right information."

According to Alexandra, HERA has contributed to a change of mentality in her country.

"Seven years ago, we were all talking about HIV as the most threatening disease in the 21st century.  Nowadays, when I look at our peer education sessions, we approach more issues on sex and sexuality and not only on HIV and STI's."

*UN Technical reference: "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"