Teen Girls Health & Empowerment in Uganda

Third term is quickly coming to an end for the students in Uganda. The kids are preparing to begin exams, after which they will be on the longest holiday of the year. We are attempting to squeeze in as many classes as we can with some of the local schools before they go on break.

Thus far, we have gone to two primary schools, and are planning one more this week. We are giving talks on health and wellness, primarily focusing our hour long discussion on menstruation, teaching it in a positive light.  Giving the workshops has been a lot of fun, as well as beneficial on both ends. Personally, I am learning quite a lot about what and what not to do or say when it comes to addressing a group of 50 girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

The first group we spoke to was at Luwero Boys. We arrived expecting to talk to only girls, as we were instructed, and found a group of both boys and girls seated before us anxiously waiting to be addressed by the group of mzungus. A bit surprised, I questioned the head teacher about the arrangement and before I knew it she was chasing the boys away. Now, arranged upon the grass was a group of 60 or so girls- chatty and intrigued. I greeted them in English, as Madame Jolly interpreted what I said into a language they could better grasp. I must say it was quite noisy; we were situated opposite the main road in Kasana and speaking over the bodas and speeding matatus as well as Madame Jolly’s interpretation…I hope that the girls at least learned a bit.

Towards the end we opened the floor to questions, but received only two: “What if I jump too much” as well as “Why we get pains?” Answering both to the best of my ability, we ended the discussion a bit earlier than I would have liked.  But lesson learned- bring a midwife to do appropriate translating.

The next school was Luwero Islamic Primary. I arrived with a tinge of fear, as there was no midwife to accompany us. We waited in the main office for 15 or so minutes, and were greeted through the barred windows every couple of seconds by heads of recess goers bobbing up and down through the barred window. After the “bell” rang (a car tire rim and a metal rod) we were escorted to a classroom 54 young ladies in hijabs.

Emanuel, their English teacher, introduced us and then took his seat at a desk on the side of the room. I would speak, and if there seemed to be a misunderstanding he would rephrase, in English, what had said. I was very excited as it was obvious the girls had taken a class before on reproduction and knew the answers to the questions I asked- so we turned the table to them. At first they were modest and quiet, but as soon as we gave out scraps of paper to write questions the questions came pouring out.

The modest common question was about pains, what they are, and how to deal with them. But others were about breast milk, discharge, and even HIV. This a good note to have for future reference, that when the Q and A portion of the talk arise it is a good idea to have them write questions down. I am very grateful to have had Emanuel, as he assisted the entire lesson and cleared up any misunderstandings on for both the class and myself.

Unfortunately this time we were on a time crunch, as there was a staff meeting happening at the same time. We ended with a wave of thank yous on both sides, and scurried out the door to make it to Nsaasi Village on time. We were late, but happy.