Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

Dear Friend, Supporter, and Partner,
HFAW extends heartfelt gratitude to your continuous support in our mission to sensitize and
eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early teenage pregnancies within the Abagusii
community. Owing to your generosity, in September we were able to conduct a training session
at Gekano Primary School, where we engaged 337 students and teachers.
The school comprises 182 girls, 142 boys, 7 male teachers, and 6 female teachers. During the
training, we addressed the pressing issue of FGM and its effects on young girls. We were deeply
moved by the stories shared by the students, who are increasingly becoming victims of this
harmful and outdated practice, even at the tender age of 3 to 4 years.We are continuously
addressing the issue within the community to abhore these misconceptions and harmful traditions
that affect innocent children.
One student, Biliah, recounted her own experience, " I returned home one evening to find my
three-year-old sister crying, showing me something on her body. To my shock, I realized she had
undergone FGM. I was compelled to keep silent because the same had been done to me when I
was 7 years old. It left me wondering what had happened. When I asked my mother, she
explained that she did it to heal faster.
Linet shared her painful experience ' talk to me about that cut; it was excruciating, and I
bled profusely. They even resorted to using eggs to stop the bleeding, but I still ended up in the
hospital. I hold resentment towards the person who performed the act.Her words struck a chord
with other students, and Mwenesi emphasized,I would take action if I ever found someone
performing that act on my sisters."
Peninah added,Since they have already been cut and are unable to speak up, it will be difficult
to know."
It became evident that these young girls are silenced and discouraged from speaking about their
experiences. To empower them, the HFAW team introduced a song that encourages girls to
protect their bodies and report anyone attempting to harm them.
Brendah further highlighted the lure of enticing girls, stating, My mother bought me new
clothes, shoes, and even treated me to soda and chips, then took me to my grandmother's place,

where they performed the cut." This indicates that girls are being enticed or coerced into
undergoing the cut.
Three-quarters of the learners expressed their willingness to end this practice. For those who had
already undergone FGM, we adopted a do no harm approach to prevent stigmatization and
support their recovery.
The school community responded positively to the sensitization sessions and expressed a strong
desire for additional training sessions. We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support,
which allows us to create awareness and drive change within these schools. Your contributions
make a significant impact, and we look forward to your continued assistance as we strive to
reach more schools and save the girl child from the clutches of FGM.
With much appreciation,
Doris Kananu
Program Director.