By Edah Mokua | Project Manager
On 28th to 30th September 2022, we managed to provide life skills to three schools namely Miriri, Nyangorora and Sengereria primary. The total number of pupils reached were 920 where 388 were boys and 370 were girls. Our main objectives in the three schools were to dialogue with the learners and find out the root cause of FGM, effects of FGM and how we can end this harmful practice and end teenage pregnancy.
At first some learners were very shy and also secretive to share with us. For instance, we experienced some pupils with special needs in Miriri primary school and were very shy. They could not even concentrate but after the discussion with them they were able to open up and shared with us how their parents used to take girls for mutilation during the holidays. “My sister was taken to my grandmother’s house to undergo FGM practices.” Asango narrated. They told us that their mothers used to take the girls to their aunties or grandmothers to undergo mutilation and buy them gifts so that they cannot speak out the problem. At Sengereri one of the learners confessed that, “I am afraid to report because my mother is one of the individuals conduct the FGM, I fear she might be arrested.” But after the discussion the learner was able to understand how to educate her mum to that FGM is a bad practice and it is not supposed to be done and also the learner noted that she will show the mother the posters to be able to learn more about the FGM also to explain to her the consequences of a person practicing FGM.The student’s response to our training was well received going by the following feedback:
"I will educate people about the harmful effects of FGM so that they can stop the practice." Brian Nyangorora primary. “I will also inform my family members of this information so that we can safeguard our sisters from this heinous activity”. Brian Added.
“During our Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC) classes on Sunday I will make sure that have shared this information with my teacher so that she can pass it through all church members.” Loice from Nyangora primary school.
“Personally, I felt that if I didn't go through the process, I wouldn't be able to fit in with society, but as of today, I've learned that the traditions our parents use to tempt us to go through the process.” Lydia Sengereri primary school.
Finally, the pupils were able to learn from our team the effects of FGM and therefore that no girl is supposed to undergo the cut as it is a child abuse. Boys were able to learn also that they are supposed to protect the girl child from these harmful activity as the girl child is not supposed to accept the act. Also, they were able to learn the causes of early teenage pregnancy and girls should not be ashamed of menstrual period. The learners also were able to learn that we have a helpline for children and it’s a toll-free number where they can report the incident. We also advised them that they can report the incident or people who are planning to do it to the police.
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By Edah Mokua | Project Manager
By Edah Mokua | Project Manager
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