End Female Genital Mutilation in 9 schools, Kenya

Dear HFAW Friends and Partners,
We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in our mission.
Your continuous support enabled HFAW to conduct anti-FGM and early pregnancy prevention
advocacy programs in Nyamira County.
In July 2023, HFAW organized a workshop at Riegechure Primary School, where we engaged
with a total of 277 participants. Among them were 14 dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff
members, 147 boys, and 116 girls. The primary focus of this interaction was to address the
critical issues of the root causes of FGM and how to end it as well as combating the rampant
early teenage pregnancies.
We took a lot of time discussing FGM in interactive manner and we gave highlights about how
to report and defend the young girls against FGM. Both teachers and students committed to do
whatever it takes to end FGM in this school and surrounding village.
We shifted to early pregnancies among students. Our poplar education process led to pupils
quickly opening up and shared many perspectives on scenarios that lead children to get pregnant
early.
Emily, not her real name, shared her perspective, stating, "Our mothers often sends us to work on
other peoples farms to earn some money, and this allows us to connect with other young people
where we get tempted to have sex, that is how some of my friends have gotten pregnant."
Peter, not his real name, shared candidly admitted, "I sleep in the same room as my parents and
sometimes overhear conversations that tempt me to engage in sexual activities with girls
outside."
Sheila, one of the learners, expressed her concerns, saying, "I see how John kisses Sultana, and I
also wish to experience such affection."
These comments shed light on how lack of guidance for these children leads to Significant number of early teenage pregnancies in our communities.
In light of these revelations, HFAW recognizes the urgent need to execute more forums.
Additional forums to enlighten parents about the various factors that expose their children to
early teenage pregnancies and how to avoid them are needed.
Teachers were surprised at how easy our approached made it possible for our students to share
information. One of the teachers shared, "These students have never opened up to us about these
issues before. Thank you for coming and your impactful education.”
We invite you to continue supporting our efforts. Please tell a friend why you care about our
work. Your contributions play a crucial role in our mission to create safer and healthier
communities.

With sincere appreciation,
 Doris Kananu,
HFAW Programs Director.