Educate 150 Orphaned Teenage Kenyan Mothers

Adolescent girls in the rural areas rarely get an opportunity to learn about their sexuality. Lots of myths are created about sexuality which often leads to early pregnancy, marriage   and school dropout. Young girls are particularly vulnerable as they are often neglected by the families and community. Community social fabrics that used to protect girls and boys have been weakened thus exposing the girls and boys to abuse and exploitation. The young adolescent lack confidence, motivation, and self-esteem which are important ingredient in building their resilience.

The camp organized by TYSA on 9th August 2010 to 13th August 2010 at Sengwer cultural centre, on creating safe spaces for rural girls. The camp brought together 43 girls from the rural areas of Tranz-nzoia County.

The camp focused on reproductive health, relationships, and self-defense and sex bargains. The methodology of the camp was participatory in nature combining presentations, discussions, experience sharing and practical throughout the three days of facilitation.

 The girls shared how Sexual abuse and violence are serious problems that transcend racial, economic, social and regional lines. ‘Violence is frequently directed toward females youth, who lack the economic and social status to resist or avoid it. Adolescents and young women, in particular, experience abuses in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and/or female genital mutilation’. Eunice

This unique girl’s camp, one of its own kind in the region was a perfect opportunity that these girls have ever had. For the first time some of the girls came to terms with their sexuality. ‘I have never known how female condom looks like. I have even never seen a male condom. My boyfriend says he wears it during sex but I have never seen it….’ a participant.

The camp also provided an opportunity for an excursion, which gave the girls first hand touch with Mother Nature and what humanity is doing in depletion of the forest cover of Kabolet Forest.

It was exciting, challenging and demanding. With no vehicles, the girls had to walk for 7 kilometers to and fro into the forest to the source of River nzoia. The terrains are rugged, steep and the weather was chilly. Luckily, the fresh air, and eye catching sceneries kept the girls going.

‘ I hope next year again we shall have a similar experience.’ Irene. These girls depend on your kind donation to realize their dreams in life. You have been a true friend to these girls.