Girls for the future Project

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:

• Recruiting vulnerable women who dropped out of school and providing them with apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their business skills and improve their livelihoods, supporting their own and their children's education.
• Empowering women through education, vocational training, and enterprise projects to enhance their economic independence and resilience.

Key Activities and Progress

The Girls for the Future project has undertaken several activities in the reporting period of May to September 2023 to achieve its objectives:

a)           Rescue Center for Vulnerable Girls

The project admitted nine (9) girls to the Rescue centre with a  commitment to protecting the vulnerable, rescuing them from various forms of violence, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and lost-and-found cases. These girls have undergone extensive counseling sessions, providing them with a safe space to heal and overcome their traumatic experiences.

b)          Business and Finance Literacy Training

In collaboration with Equity Bank of Kenya, our project undertook a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing economic empowerment. The project conducted comprehensive business management and finance literacy training for a group of 103 individuals, members of 12 Village Savings and Loaning Assoaciation (VSLA) groups. The goal was to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively.

The training yielded promising results, with 13 participants successfully opening savings accounts at the bank. These accounts serve as gateways to access loans for expanding their businesses. Notably, one entire VSLA group decided to open a collective savings account, showcasing their enthusiasm for financial growth.

c)           Comprehensive Reproductive Health Education and Seminars

The project conducted extensive reproductive health talks in local schools, engaging a  2051 students (1041 girls and 1010 boys) with the aim of empowering the minds of young girls and boys. These talks covered critical topics such as behavior change, peer influence, and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). In a distressing revelation, it came to our attention that the schools had reported 24 cases of teenage pregnancies. Sanitary towels were distributed to 216 vulnarable girls, ensuring that they continue their education without impediments and promote their menstrual hygiene.

The reproductive health seminar, themed "Healthy Sex, Healthy Life for Young People", delved into significant subjects. It explored the intersection between spirituality and sexual relationships, examined the growth of teenagers in relation to their sexual lives, and discussed the impact of premarital sex on education. This enabled 93 students (63 girls and 33 boys) who participated, to gain insights promoting informed choices.

d)          HIV Awareness and Testing

Through community mobilization efforts, the project facilitated HIV testing for 259 individuals (142 females and 117 males). Two individuals tested reactive to HIV and have been referred for to the nearest Health Care Facilities for enrollment into Care and Treatment with initiation into Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). Followup is ongoing to ensure that they continue to receive regular counselling and adhere to the ART medications.

e)           Apprenticeship Program

In an effort to embrace inclusivity, the program enrolled 26 new girls and young women, a notable inclusion being 16 teenage mothers. The proximity of their babies during training allows these mothers to concentrate effectively, facilitating their personal and professional development. This expansion of our program underscores our commitment to providing opportunities to a diverse group of young women.

To foster skills and career development of young girls, especially those enrolled in the apprenticeship program, 18 girls are currently engaged in field exposure activities within various salons. This hands-on experience is invaluable as it not only enhances their skills but also provides job exposure, making them more competitive in the workforce. This practical training is a crucial stepping stone as they await the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) examination, a milestone that can open doors to rewarding careers.

f)            Children with Correctable Disabilities

During the project's implementation, children with correctable disabilities were identified and facilitated their referral to the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya (APDK). Thirteen (13) children received life-changing corrective surgeries, and, heartwarmingly, nine (9) of them have been successfully reunited with their families after these surgeries.

People living with disabilities, particularly those who have undergone surgeries, require ongoing support for successful reintegration into their families and communities. The project remains committed to this mission, ensuring that individuals can lead fulfilling lives following their hospital discharge.

To minimize stigma and provide support, the project continues to raise disability awareness within the community. A key element of this effort is the establishment of psychosocial support groups for caregivers. Currently, 96 caregivers actively participate in these groups, offering and receiving vital emotional support during monthly meetings.

g)          Parenting Skills and Support

The projects "Families Matter" program extends beyond just children; it focuses on empowering parents and guardians. Training sessions were conducted for 286 parents/guardians, equipping them with valuable parenting skills and highlighting the significance of family. This initiative is essential for fostering healthy family dynamics, reducing challenges like early pregnancies and early marriages that are prevalent in the project region. As parents gain a better understanding of themselves and their children, the entire community benefits.

Challenges

1. Financial Constraints for Women's Enterprises: lack of sufficient finances to adequately support the growth of women's enterprises, which are essential to meet the needs of our targeted women-owned businesses. Securing the necessary funding remains a critical obstacle in our mission to empower women economically.
2. Complexities in Child Abuse Cases: Many of the abused children we encounter come from extremely vulnerable households, making reunification with their relatives a challenging endeavor. Some children prefer to remain at the rescue center indefinitely. Additionally, the prevalence of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the communities poses a significant hurdle. Victims often hesitate to come forward and testify, resulting in delayed justice proceedings, and there is a reluctance among some individuals to pursue legal action, further complicating the resolution of these cases.
3. Persistent Stigma Surrounding Disabilities: Many in the community still wrongly associate disabilities with witchcraft, which perpetuates stereotypes and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Addressing this deeply ingrained misconception remains a paramount concern as we strive to promote inclusivity and support for people with disabilities.

Conclusion

The Girls For the Future project has been a catalyst for transformative change within the communities. Through a variety of interventions, the project has empowered individuals and families, instilling hope and fostering growth. The partnership with Equity Bank of Kenya has provided financial literacy, resulting in the successful opening of savings accounts and the expansion of businesses among VSLA groups. Meanwhile, the apprenticeship program has equipped young girls with skills and career opportunities, promoting inclusivity by welcoming teenage mothers.

Our commitment to strengthening families through parenting skills training has laid the foundation for healthier dynamics and reduced societal challenges. The rescue center has provided vital support to girls recovering from various forms of violence. Comprehensive reproductive health education has empowered students to make informed choices, and our community mobilization efforts have enabled HIV testing and support for those in need.

Finally, our dedication to restoring the lives of children with correctable disabilities and reducing stigma through awareness campaigns has been heartening. As we continue our journey, we remain unwavering in our mission to make a lasting impact, building a brighter future for all within our communities.