Increase Skills & Use of Pads by 200 Girls, Kamuli

Introduction

During this quarter, the project focused on intensive hygiene education and HIV testing, building on the previous quarter’s liquid soap-making training for adolescent girls. While no practical skills sessions were conducted this quarter, emphasis was placed on strengthening knowledge, behavior change, and health-seeking practices related to personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, and HIV prevention.

The activities targeted adolescent girls who had previously participated in project interventions, ensuring continuity and reinforcement of key health messages.

Activities Implemented and Key Achievements

Hygiene Education Sessions

The project conducted hygiene education sessions for 25 adolescent girls, focusing on:

• Menstrual hygiene management
• Personal hygiene and cleanliness
• Handwashing practices
• Proper use of hygiene products

The sessions were participatory and allowed girls to openly discuss hygiene challenges and misconceptions.

Achievement:

• 25 girls reached with hygiene education, meeting the planned target for this quarter.
• Improved knowledge and awareness on menstrual and personal hygiene practices were observed among participants.

HIV Testing and Counseling

In collaboration with health service providers, the project facilitated HIV testing and counseling for the same group of 25 adolescent girls. The process included both pre-test and post-test counseling to ensure informed decision-making and emotional support.

Achievement:

• 25 adolescents accessed HIV testing and counseling services.
• Increased awareness of HIV prevention, testing importance, and available referral services.

Lessons Learned

• Continuous hygiene education is essential for sustaining behavior change, even without practical sessions.
• Integrating hygiene education with HIV testing increases participation and acceptability among adolescents.
• Youth-friendly and supportive environments encourage adolescents to access sensitive health services such as HIV testing.

Monitoring and Evaluation Highlights

• Participant Feedback: The majority of the 25 girls expressed satisfaction with the hygiene education sessions and appreciated the inclusion of HIV testing.
• Knowledge Improvement: Post-session discussions indicated improved understanding of menstrual hygiene and HIV prevention.
• Behavioral Intent: Several participants reported intentions to improve hygiene practices at home and encourage peers to seek HIV testing.

Conclusion

This quarter focused on consolidating knowledge and promoting healthy behaviors among adolescent girls through hygiene education and HIV testing. Although no practical skills training was conducted, the project successfully reached 25 adolescent girls, strengthening their awareness, confidence, and health-seeking behavior.

These activities have prepared the participants for the next phase of the project, which will reintroduce practical skills training, including menstrual pad making, supported by improved hygiene knowledge and health awareness.