By Justus Kioko | Projects Admin
*Not their real names
In the heart of the Mau Ecosystem, within Nakuru County, Kenya lies a story of transformation revolving around community own resource person (CORP) Mary- a dedicated advocate for family planning (FP) whose tireless efforts have touched the lives of many, including *Wangechi, a 27-year-old mother of five. Wangechi's journey began at a young age when she got married as a teenager, stepping into the responsibilities of motherhood at just 16 yrs old! Living in the Kasarani slum of Elburgon town with her husband, they faced the harsh realities of providing for their growing family through casual work on the farms. One morning, Mary knocked on Wangechi's door during her routine door-to-door visits. Wangechi welcomed her with a weary smile, her eyes betraying her struggles. Mary listened intently as Wangechi poured out her heart, sharing the challenges of raising her children amidst the relentless rise in the cost of living. "I feel like I'm drowning, Mary," Wangechi confessed, her voice tinged with desperation. With empathy shining in her eyes, Mary offered words of comfort and a glimmer of hope. "You're not alone, Wangechi. There are options available to help lighten your load," Mary assured her. As they sat together, Mary explained the benefits of FP, emphasising the importance of spacing children and empowering women to take control of their futures. Wangechi listened attentively, and her heart stirred with newfound hope. Later that day, Wangechi shared Mary's words with her husband, who returned home from his laborious work. Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, they made a life-changing decision together. "We can't change the past, but we can shape our future," Wangechi's husband declared, his voice filled with determination. With Mary's guidance, they embraced a three-year FP method, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. As they held hands, united in their resolve, Wangechi felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Though the road ahead would still be challenging, they are ready to face it with
Through the generous support of GG, over the last three months, CHAT successfully disseminated behaviour change information (BCC) to 8,091 individuals. Additionally, 1,342 family planning clients were provided with various contraception methods tailored to their preferences, with 973 opting for long-term pregnancy protection methods lasting either 3 or 5 years, effectively reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
"Family planning is not about numbers; it's about empowering individuals and families to improve their quality of life,” Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime minister of Norway.
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