By Sylvia Brade | Chief Happiness Officer
Not all impact makes headlines.
Sometimes it sounds like a young girl quietly saying the government-issued sanitary pad she’s using keeps falling out during class—but she’s too embarrassed to ask for help.
Sometimes it looks like a Grade 3 student discovering for the first time that her body is her own—and that it’s okay to say no.
And sometimes, it looks like someone lacing up their shoes to run—for girls they’ve never met, but believe in with all their heart.
Thanks to your generosity—and the incredible efforts of our cousnelling team and supporters—here’s what’s been unfolding over the past few months.
Cycles of Dignity: Period Products + Power
In March, 38 girls at Safina Hadji High School received reusable menstrual pad kits as part of our Cycles of Dignity pilot.
But this wasn’t just a product handout—it was a turning point.
In rural Kenya, many girls miss school during their periods. Others face harmful myths, silence, and even exploitation just to manage a basic biological need. These reusable kits, containing reusable pads, which last an amazing 3–5 years, a carrying pouch and soap, offers freedom. Dignity. And a real shot at staying in school.
Our counselors didn’t just hand out supplies. They led full training sessions, answered deeply personal questions with empathy, and made sure every girl left informed, supported, and seen.
While the girls were in session, the boys had their own honest conversations about respect and emotional intelligence—led by our male team members. This full-circle approach will now guide how we scale across all our schools this year.
Art as a Language of Healing
Our counseling team is now using art therapy techniques to support students—especially when talking is too difficult.
In workshops led by volunteer trainer and Marriage, Family and Art Therapist, Sasha Georgeson, our team learned to use art for emotional regulation, trauma processing, and safe self-expression. They’ve even started using these techniques themselves, to stay grounded and centered in the emotionally demanding work they do each day.
Because when we care for our caregivers, we care better for everyone.
Real Support for Real Life
From helping girls who’ve experienced pregnancy stay connected to school, to teaching young children about personal safety and boundaries, our counselors are doing transformative work—one session at a time.
We’ve led:
Goal-setting and hygiene education for younger students
Emotional regulation and study strategies for those facing exam pressure
Family counseling for households struggling with unemployment, loss, and stress
One-on-one support for vulnerable students referred by teachers
In our lower primary group sessions, the team introduced foundational lessons around personal agency, body safety, and consent.
Children were gently guided to name their feelings, set boundaries, and practice phrases like:
“This is my body.”
“I can say no.”
“I will tell someone I trust.”
For many—like the Grade 3 student we mentioned earlier—it was the first time anyone had told them that their body belongs to them. That they have a right to speak up. That it's not just okay to say no—it’s powerful.
These lessons might sound simple. But for a child growing up in an environment where voices often go unheard, they can be life-changing.
When students are seen, heard, and supported—they rise. And thanks to you, we're there to help them every step of the way.
Safe Conversations, Safer Schools
Last summer, we piloted a new initiative called Safe Conversations at San Marco Primary and High Schools—designed to help students share openly about what’s going on in their lives.
The next step? Ensuring the entire school environment is ready to support that vulnerability.
We’re currently working on plans to provide foundational training for school administrators, teachers and the Board of Management (the parent and community representatives who oversee the day-to-day operation of the schools). Their support is essential to building schools where every student feels safe, respected, and cared for.
Jessica’s Journey: From One Mile to 100
Strength doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes, it runs 31 miles (50km). Then another 31. Then another.
And then trains to run 100 miles (161 km)—all at once.
That’s exactly what clinical social worker and therapist Jessica Myers-Adams did this month—completing three 31-mile races in three days.
And she’s not done yet.
In August, she’ll push even further—running 100 miles (161 km) in a single, continuous race to raise funds and awareness for Village Impact’s counseling and support programs for girls in rural Kenya.
Why?
Because she believes no girl should have to fight alone for her future.
In the communities where we work, girls face overwhelming odds—early marriage, poverty, and pressure to drop out before high school even begins. But with support, everything changes. Jessica is running for the girls at Ngeya Girls High School—the first girls’ high school in our region—and for every young student in our communities who just needs someone in their corner.
And thanks to her determination—and the incredible generosity of those who’ve rallied behind her—over $4,000 has already been raised to fuel this mission.
To every single person who donated, cheered her on, or shared her story—thank you.
You are part of this movement.
You’re helping us build schools where girls can feel safe, supported, and seen.
And you're showing these students that they're not alone.
Jessica may be running the miles, but you’re running with her—in impact, in belief, and in solidarity.
Coming Soon: Menstrual Health + Medical Camp
Thanks to the initiative of our team member Connie—who submitted a successful grant application to the Kenyan health app My Dawa—we’ve received a small grant to host our first-ever Menstrual Health Day + Medical Camp at Ngeya Girls High School this May.
This event will include:
Reproductive health and hygiene education
Private consultations and screenings
Product distribution and practical care guidance
Mental health support and referral pathways
Over 430 students and staff will take part. We hope this becomes a model for student wellness across the region.
Final Word
This season has been full of momentum—quiet but unstoppable.
From a girl finding her voice in a counseling session…
To a school making space for open conversations…
To a runner pushing her limits for a cause bigger than herself…
This is what your support makes possible.
Thank you for standing with us—for believing that change doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.
We can’t wait to share what’s next.
With gratitude,
The Village Impact Team
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