By Jane Okafor | Co-Founder / Director
On May 30th, 2024, we hosted yet another community workshop, we were honoured with the attendance of Mr. Musonda, District Guidance Coordinator from the Ministry of Education in Zambia. His insights and observations were invaluable, and we were grateful to have him witness the impacts we are making in community education. Mr. Musonda commended the high level content of our workshop. His endorsement is a testament to the hard work and dedication put into organizing these workshops.
The workshop was focused on Integrating Menstrual Education, Sexual Reproductive Health, and Climate Change Awareness. The workshop provided comprehensive education on menstrual health, sexual reproductive health, and the impact of climate change on these issues. Our concurrent focus was empowering participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for better health outcomes and environmental sustainability within their communities.
Key Topics
1. Menstrual Education
- Understanding the menstrual cycle.
- Addressing myths and misconceptions about menstruation.
- Hygiene management and the importance of menstrual products.
- The impact of menstruation on education and daily life for young girls.
-promotion of the reusable menstrual cup and it's major benefits over other menstrual products.
2. Sexual Reproductive Health
- Basics of sexual and reproductive anatomy in both girls and boys .
- Reproductive rights and access to healthcare.
3. Climate Change and its Impact
- Overview of climate change and its global impact.
- The relationship between climate change and women's health, including menstrual health.
- Sustainable practices in menstrual hygiene management (e.g., eco-friendly menstrual products).
- The role of education in mitigating the effects of climate change.
4.Participants
-Chance4all Directors.
-Ministry Education representative, from District Education Board office, Lusaka.
- Guidance and Connseling Teachers from various schools.
- Health practitioner ( Nurse).
-Pupils from 5 schools within Chilenje Zone .
5.Activities:
- Interactive presentations and discussions led by experts in menstrual health, sexual reproductive health, and climate change.
- Distribution of educational materials and eco-friendly menstrual products.
- Q&A session with the ministry representative on government initiatives related to health and climate change.
6.Outcome
Participants were empowered with a great understanding of the interconnectedness of menstrual health, sexual reproductive health, and climate change, and equipped with strategies to educate and support their communities effectively.
This workshop did not only address the importance of health issues but also encouraged dialogue and action on how climate change is influencing these aspects of life, particularly for women and girls.
But that’s not all !! We are excited to share that Chance4All is in the process of obtaining a national permit. This will enable us to expand our workshops across the country, reaching and educating as many children as possible on these crucial topics.
Still on the empowerment path we are thrilled to announce that for the last 12 months Chance4all has been privileged to be participating in the Black Girls Rising (BRG) leadership /mentorship program. The Rising in Braveness Youth Ambassador Program commits to putting black girls' participation at the centre of change. The program brings together 20 young black girls aged 12 to 18yrs from South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia. They prepare them to make a positive difference in their communities, promote mutual understanding, and increase leadership skills. We had an exciting visit from South Africa by 2 BRG representatives. During their visit we had the pleasure of hosting a 1:30 hour workshop attended by 30 pupils from Bauleni Special Needs School. We discussed crucial topics like awareness building, policy advocacy, partnership development, capacity building, and public engagement in tackling climate change. The visit aimed to drive positive changes in climate action and justice. The girls were challenged to craft a climate change action program, emphasizing potential funding opportunities.
This cohort of girls completed their leadership training by travelling to South Africa to participate in the Black Girls Rising leadership workshop aimed at fostering deep connections to amplify their voices within the community.
The next phase will welcome another cohort of girls who will serve as ambassadors, carrying forward the crucial work of climate change advocacy and mentorship. The continuation of the program highlights its success in empowering Black girls to take leadership roles in important social issues. By focusing on climate change, the program aligns with global efforts to address environmental challenges while ensuring that the voices of Black girls are heard and valued in these discussions.
Chance4All in partnership with Black Girls Rising, remains dedicated to supporting these young leaders as they advocate for a more just and sustainable world. The program not only builds leadership skills but also equips participants with the tools needed to effect meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
The Chance4All - Educate Girls in Zambia on Gender Equity project has made significant progress in promoting gender equity in education during this reporting period. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing cultural barriers and logistical issues, the project’s impact on girls’ education and empowerment is clear. The next phase will focus on expanding the project’s reach, ensuring the sustainability of its impact, and securing additional resources to continue this important work.
Thank you for your support and thank you for believing in the power of education!
Regards,
Chance4all Team
Links:
By Veronique Catany | Director and Co-Founder of Chance4all
By Veronique Catany and Jane Okafor | Directors and Co-Founders of Chance4all
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