Support Pastoralist Girl Mentorship in Rural Kenya

Quarterly Report – Pastoralist Girls’ Mentorship Program

4^th September 2025

During this quarter, Caritas Marsabit continued to support initiatives that prioritized the empowerment of girls and women in pastoralist communities. The key activities implemented included:

1. Day of the African Child Celebration

In partnership with other stakeholders and in response to the call from the Children’s Office in Saku Subcounty, we joined in commemorating the Day of the African Child. Guided by the 2024 theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights”, the celebration provided an opportunity to stand in solidarity with children from pastoralist communities, advocate for the prioritization of children’s rights in planning and budgeting, and take stock of progress made in Marsabit County since 2010.

2. Pastoralist Girls Empowerment Camp – North Horr

Caritas Marsabit supported the Gaddis Gamme Pastoralist Girls Empowerment Camp in North Horr, where 180 girls participated in a three-day mentorship and life skills training program. The sessions covered critical topics such as:

• Children’s rights and the legal framework safeguarding them
• Reproductive health
• Gender-based and sexual violence
• Goal setting and leadership
• Harmful cultural practices, including FGM and child marriage

We facilitated transport for the girls, accompanied them throughout the training, and created a safe environment where they could freely express their concerns. Importantly, the camp introduced an alternative rite of passage to replace FGM. In addition, dignity kits were distributed to 150 girls.

3. School-Based Mentorship Sessions

This quarter, mentorship sessions were conducted in three schools—Moi Girls High School, Loglogo Girls Secondary School, and Fr. John Memorial Primary School. The sessions were led by role models including H.E. Ambassador Sabdio Bashuna, Caritas Marsabit staff, and local leaders such as school principals and area chiefs.

Through these engagements, hundreds of girls were inspired and motivated to pursue their aspirations with confidence. Many shared personal stories that reflected the positive impact of mentorship and the courage to envision a future free from fear and harmful practices.

Introduction

As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing well-rounded, empowered girls, this quarter’s mentorship sessions focused on key areas critical to their growth and protection.

We emphasized personal development and self-awareness by encouraging open discussions about the challenges they face, building their confidence, and motivating them to pursue academic and life success.

Health and hygiene education was also a major focus, with a particular emphasis on menstrual hygiene management.

Additionally, we raised awareness on risk prevention by addressing the dangers of drug and substance abuse and equipping the girls with practical strategies to navigate peer pressure.

Mentorship Activities in Schools

Our core activity – mentorship - reached new heights this quarter. We conducted impactful visits to Fr. John Memorial Secondary School and Cavalera Girls Secondary School, engaging both students and staff meaningfully.

During these sessions, we addressed critical issues affecting girls’ well-being and educational progress, including:

• Adolescent Self-awareness – Encouraging girls to speak openly about the challenges they face.

• Menstrual Hygiene Management – Promoting safe and healthy hygiene practices.

• Drug and Substance Abuse – Educating on risks and prevention.

• Navigating Peer Pressure – Building decision-making and resilience skills.

• Empowerment and Motivation – Inspiring academic excellence and life aspirations.

Conclusion

The Pastoralist Girls Mentorship Program is more than an intervention - it is a movement of hope, resilience, and opportunity for young girls in Marsabit. As we continue to walk alongside these girls, we invite our partners, donors, and friends to join us in making this vision a lasting reality.

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