Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

Dear Esteemed Friends,

During this month of February 2024, HFAW reached 380 boys and 306 girls at Nyaisa Secondary School with life skills to combat FGM and early pregnancies. Staff comprises 10 male teachers and 13 female teachers, with 3 male and 2 female non-teaching staff, indicating a densely populated educational environment.

In our participatory dialogue with learners, we discovered that 3 girls are pregnant and 17 students have already become parents, providing an insight into the reproductive health issues confronting these youths in this school.

Our conversations about FGM, its root causes, its effect on girls and women, and its impact on the entire community sparked a series of insightful questions and discussions that revealed that indeed, there is a connection between FGM and early pregnancies. There are cases where girls feel like grown women after undergoing the practice, and this motivates them to engage in sexual relationships without considering the consequences.

A number of students courageously highlighted the various factors contributing to early pregnancies. Vivian, not her real name, explained the role of parental conflicts in pushing girls to seek comfort elsewhere. She shared, saying that the parents are the cause of the early teenage pregnancy. “When there is domestic violence at home, girls are compelled to seek shelter elsewhere, and that often involves going to their boyfriends’ house.”

Luke, not his real name, addressed the impact of derogatory language on self-esteem and the desire for respect through parenthood. He said, “We are called “abaisia.” (literary means lad). “This is an insult to our ego and lowers our self esteem. To prove that we are not lads, we want to impregnate a girl to gain respect.” Some of the triggers mentioned included poverty, which compels youth to seek resources from the men who can provide them. In some cases, the youth are blaming social media influence and easy access to pornographic materials.

HFAW staff spent a lot of time discussing the lifelong effects of FGM and early pregnancies. “FGM must be stopped at all costs; the impact is lifelong,” said Gladys, and demonstrated with her own life story. Joyce highlighted issues of early pregnancy. “When a child gives birth to another child, your life will never be the same again,” Many of them explained how the dreams of young mothers are already shattered. Students were encouraged to adopt self-advocacy behavior, self-protective behaviors and prioritize their education to delay parenthood. Additionally, plans were made to sensitize parents, especially the men in the area, to provide essential support. Ending FGM and early pregnancy must involve the entire community. HFAW also took time to explain how to use feminine products.

The HFAW team remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities and promote self-reliance among the youth. That is why your donation continues to be so meaningful and much needed. Please share our vision with your friends, colleagues and family and let them know that saving one girl from FGM or early pregnancy is worthy our effort.

With much gratitude,

Doris Kananu