Let's Improve Girls' Education in Africa

Starting with our dance program to develop cognitive and social-emotional learning skills, and moving on to sponsoring girls in school, MindLeaps works to open up a path to education and self-reliance for the girls in our programs in Africa. But our focus is not strictly limited to academic concerns - we enrich our core activities with supplemental programs to ensure that we are addressing in a holistic way the needs and concerns of girls. One example is our Sexual and Reproductive Health Workshops in Rwanda and Guinea.

At our centers in Kigali, Rwanda, and Conakry, Guinea, we regularly run Sexual and Reproductive Health Workshops to ensure that girls gain the knowledge to equip them to navigate adolescence and young adulthood. The curriculum runs over a period of four months, with weekly sessions lead by local teachers covering topics ranging from economic issues related to pregnancy and prostitution, to family dynamics and cultural expectations that affect girls and boys. There is a focus on healthy relationships, gender equity, communication and consent, as well as puberty, reproductive biology, transmitted diseases and hygiene.

Sexual and reproductive health education is offered to both girls and boys, but is particularly important for girls as they mature. Participants meet in small groups, in a safe environment for learning, discussion and sharing experiences. Girls learn about safe sex and how to prevent diseases and unwanted pregnancies, knowledge important to their reproductive health and well-being, and to enabling them to stay in school. They receive material support as well, as for example in Rwanda, where feminine hygiene pads are distributed, helping to reduce any stigma associated with menstruation, and allowing girls to fully participate in their daily lives.

The workshops are an important part of our education program, addressing issues faced by our youth as they grow. Earlier this year in Rwanda, an event was held for the 40 children who had completed their four-month Sexual and Reproductive Health curriculum, celebrating with activities including drama, poetry presentations and dance!