Empower 10,000 Vulnerable Girls in Uganda

At the beginning of this year, JLMC set out to support at least 80 adolescent girls and young women from four school communities that dropped out of school leaving them exposed to different vulnerabilities. Using the Girl Power Project® system for implementing adolescent girls’ programs, the four school communities organized themselves, identified and mobilized AGYW that formed safe spaces that brought them closer to opportunities for connections, friendships with other girls, and trusted support networks. For the last 6 months, they have been engaged in building their social, economic, health and cognitive assets.

 Below are some of the achievements that have been recorded to date

• 4 girls only safe spaces were established and named by the girls themselves, and they are fully monitored and supported by the leaders in those communities. They are 1) Resilient Girls Group, 2) Wakataayi Eastward Girl Power Group, 3) Nattyole Patient Girls Group, and 4) United Girls Group.
• Over 240 AGYW regularly access these spaces from which they have been able to participate in life skills trainings to build their confidence, gain knowledge on gender and power, leadership, financial literacy, sexual and reproductive health, group formation, dynamics and management, menstrual health and making of reusable sanitary pads.
• Over 350 AGYW and their community accessed medical services provided by health centers in their areas. The services were aimed at increasing SRH service delivery and use by AGYW. They received health talks, examination, consultations, treatment and referrals on services on HIV counselling and testing, malaria, cervical cancer, family planning and contraception, breast, and general ailments.
• Most girls learned to make items that can quickly be sold for quick money such as make snacks and liquid soap for themselves and the group to support group activities. They also learned to make shampoo that supports the hairdressing class.
• The different spaces now enjoy fun activities together from time to time including friendly games of football and netball.
• 2 girls’ group have formally registered with the district and now they have increased their chances of tapping in resources that are given to organized women groups to promote development such as the Uganda Women Empowerment Program and the Youth Livelihood Programs. These groups received a lot of support from the local government offices.
• 170 AGYW completed a six-month basic course in hairdressing techniques in plaiting, braiding and styling.
• 90 AGYW completed a six-month basic course in tailoring techniques in fabric handling, pattern making and garment construction.

 What the Girls said:

“Being part of the Wakataayi EastWard Girl Power Group has given me a platform to share experiences and lessons with girls. I am consulted on quite a number of things since I had the privilege of completing the ordinary secondary school level” Rahmah.

“I am so grateful for being part of my group. There are seven of us in our smaller group, that sew clothes and sell. We are saving money that shall go towards our group and individual needs” Fatinah of Wakataayi.

“I feel braver and more determined to fulfil my dreams. I am so grateful for the opportunity I got during the health outreach because I learned a lot then” Freda of Resilient Girls Group.

We are grateful for the support from  JLMC-USA, The Hilden Charitable Fund and The Fund for Global Human Rights Legal Empowerment Fund All these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without your continued support.

Links:

• JLMC- Uganda Website
• JLMC Uganda LinkedIn
• JLMC- Facebook