By Paul Odalo | Monitoring, Evaluation & Partnership Officer
Introduction
The Girls for the Future project aims to support young women and girls in rural areas, particularly in Homa-bay County, Western Kenya, by providing them with educational opportunities and empowering them through various interventions. This project seeks to enhance their access to education, build resilience within the community, and mitigate discrimination, gender-based violence, and stigma.
Project Objectives
The Girls for the Future project focuses on two key objectives:
Key Activities and Progress
The Girls for the Future project has undertaken several activities in the reporting period of October to December 2023 to achieve its objectives:
a) Rescue Center for Vulnerable Girls
The project admitted six (6) young girls into the Rescue Center, dedicated to safeguarding those at risk by rescuing them from different forms of gender-based violence such as defilement, instances of being lost and found, and early marriage. These individuals have undergone thorough counseling sessions, creating a secure environment for them.
b) Training on business skills and management
The project provided extensive training on business management and finance literacy to 12 Village Savings and Loaning Association (VSLA) groups. Out of these, two groups, totaling 30 members, received business loans from Equity Bank of Kenya. These groups have selected their initial investments to enhance their businesses. The objective was to empower them with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective financial management.
c) Comprehensive Reproductive Health Education and Seminars
The project organized talks on reproductive health in local schools, involving 876 students (484 girls and 392 boys) to empower young minds. The discussions covered important topics like factors affecting adolescent growth and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). In response to ensuring full school attendance, 382 sanitary towels were distributed to ensure vulnerable girls can continue their education without hindrance and maintain menstrual hygiene.
The reproductive health seminar, themed "Triple Threat" focusing on HIV/AIDS infections, early pregnancy, and gender-based violence, was held aimed to raise awareness among adolescents and provide ways to protect themselves from negative life-changing behaviors. This seminar benefited 471 students (243 girls and 228 boys), offering insights for making informed choices.
d) HIV Awareness and Testing
The project organized community outreaches, to conduct HIV testing for 175 people (111 females and 74 males). Fortunately, none of them tested positive for HIV.
e) Apprenticeship Program
To promote inclusivity, the program has enrolled three new teenage mothers into the apprenticeship program, hence ensuring that 20 girls are benefitting from the life skills training in beauty therapy and barbering. The proximity of their babies during training helps these mothers focus, aiding in their personal and professional growth. This expansion reflects our dedication to offering opportunities to a diverse group of young women.
To support the skill and career development of girls, especially those in the apprenticeship program, 22 girls are currently participating in hands-on activities in various salons. This practical experience is valuable, enhancing their skills and providing job exposure to make them more competitive in the workforce. This training is crucial as they await the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) examination, which can open doors to rewarding careers. One girl has already taken her NITA examinations.
f) Children with Correctable Disabilities
During the reporting period, the project identified children with correctable disabilities and referred them to the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya (APDK). Nine (9) children underwent life-changing corrective surgeries, and happily, four (4) have been successfully reunited with their families after the surgeries.
People with disabilities, especially those who have had surgeries, need ongoing support to reintegrate into their families and communities successfully. The project is dedicated to this goal, ensuring individuals can lead fulfilling lives after leaving the hospital.
To reduce stigma and offer support, the project continues to raise awareness about disabilities in the community. One essential aspect of this effort is the creation of psychosocial support groups for caregivers. Currently, 104 caregivers actively participate in these groups, providing and receiving crucial emotional support during monthly meetings.
Challenges
Conclusion
The Girls For the Future project has made positive changes in communities. We've helped people and families by giving them hope and helping them grow. Our partnership with Equity Bank of Kenya has taught financial skills, leading to more savings accounts and growing businesses in VSLA groups. The apprenticeship program has given skills and job opportunities to young girls, including teenage mothers.
We're dedicated to making families stronger through parenting skills training, which reduces challenges in society. The rescue center supports girls recovering from violence, and reproductive health education helps students make informed choices. Our efforts in the community have made HIV testing and support more accessible.
We're also focused on helping children with correctable disabilities and reducing stigma through awareness campaigns. As we continue, our goal is to make a lasting impact and create a better future for everyone in our communities.
By Paul Odalo | Monitoring, Evaluation & Partnership Officer
By Paul Odalo | Monitoring, Evaluation & Partnership Officer
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