Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

On 28^th to 30^th September 2022, we managed to provide life skills to three schools namely Miriri, Nyangorora and Sengereria primary. The total number of pupils reached were 920 where 388 were boys and 370 were girls. Our main objectives in the three schools were to dialogue with the learners and find out the root cause of FGM, effects of FGM and how we can end this harmful practice and end teenage pregnancy.

At first some learners were very shy and also secretive to share with us. For instance, we experienced some pupils with special needs in Miriri primary school and were very shy. They could not even concentrate but after the discussion with them they were able to open up and shared with us how their parents used to take girls for mutilation during the holidays. “My sister was taken to my grandmother’s house to undergo FGM practices.” Asango narrated. They told us that their mothers used to take the girls to their aunties or grandmothers to undergo mutilation and buy them gifts so that they cannot speak out the problem. At Sengereri one of the learners confessed that, “I am afraid to report because my mother is one of the individuals conduct the FGM, I fear she might be arrested.” But after the discussion the learner was able to understand how to educate her mum to that FGM is a bad practice and it is not supposed to be done and also the learner noted that she will show the mother the posters to be able to learn more about the FGM also to explain to her the consequences of a person practicing FGM.The student’s response to our training was well received going by the following feedback:

 "I will educate people about the harmful effects of FGM so that they can stop the practice."  Brian Nyangorora primary.  “I will also inform my family members of this information so that we can safeguard our sisters from this heinous activity”. Brian Added.

“During our   Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC) classes on Sunday I will make sure that have shared this information with my teacher so that she can pass it through all church members.” Loice from Nyangora primary school.

“Personally, I felt that if I didn't go through the process, I wouldn't be able to fit in with society, but as of today, I've learned that the traditions our parents use to tempt us to go through the process.” Lydia Sengereri primary school.

Finally, the pupils were able to learn from our team the effects of FGM and therefore that no girl is supposed to undergo the cut as it is a child abuse. Boys were able to learn also that they are supposed to protect the girl child from these harmful activity as the girl child is not supposed to accept the act. Also, they were able to learn the causes of early teenage pregnancy and girls should not be ashamed of menstrual period. The learners also were able to learn that we have a helpline for children and it’s a toll-free number where they can report the incident. We also advised them that they can report the incident or people who are planning to do it to the police.

Dearest friend, your financial assistance enables us to accomplish far more than we could ever express in words. Saving just one girl means so much to these girls and the HFAW team. Please share our website with your friends and family and explain why their contribution will help empower a girl in this our community.

Dear friend and colleague, with your invaluable support have continued to deliver the anti FGM educational program. The most recent one reaching 495 girls, 479 boys and 18 female and 23 male teachers. The Popular Education-based program reached 3 schools namely Eronge, Nyabogoye, and Mochenwa primary schools in June before a one week break from school in July 2022. The sessions with pupils have become safe spaces of unveiling FGM myths and facts, child survivor stories, and discovery of the relationship between FGM and early pregnancies. Our relationship built on trust has earned request from school authority for CHHRPs to come again and address parents and teachers.

Child survivor testimonies

The sessions in school are safe spaces that have made children comfortable to open up and share their FGM experiences. For example,

Nyaboke gave details of how she underwent the harmful practice “One is covered with a piece of cloth on their mouth and tied on their hands to prevent them from screaming due to fear”. In the culture, she added that “Screaming is stigmatized through a derogatory word, “Enkuri”” meaning individuals who cannot be married to a loyal family. Kerubo a survivor too narrated that she accepted to undergo FGM because she was promised new attire as a gift.

Based on the confessions and reasons that have contributed to FGM in their community, CHHRP’s came in to the dialogue unveiling the facts and child rights against any form of abuse. Early pregnancy and Covid-19, the causes, its effects and ways of prevention were discussed.

FGM and early pregnancy

The session by the CHHRPs led to discovery about the connection between FGM and early pregnancies.Feedback from Makori, a boy from Mochenwa school commented that “I thought early sex is only caused by many teens being exposed to online pornographic films that induces their sexual urge and therefore, they get interested in doing the act. But now I have learnt that FGM is also a cause of early sex and pregnancies in my community.”

The head teacher Mochenwa school culminated the session with a request;

“Am happy for your session and it has been a very essential exercise that each and every one can put into practice. It will be easy for the pupils to implement the idea because it has come from different people apart from their usual teachers. I request HFAW to visit us again soon and address the parents over the same issue.” Head teacher Mochenwa school.

Thank you for your generous support to our work. It is because of you we managed to deliver the message where it is most needed “Among the marginalized and most vulnerable to FGM”. Please continue to spread a word about our work to your friends and family.

What would we do without you, dear friend and partner? Look at what we've been able to accomplish simply because you've continued to hold our hands and generously walk alongside us on this journey of transforming our community. We are eternally grateful. We encourage you to share this report with your friends and family so they can see the difference you are making in our community.