Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

Empowering young minds to challenge harmful cultural practices remains at the heart of our mission at the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW). Our team recently had the privilege of visiting Nyakenyomisia Primary School in Nyamira County for a mentorship and advocacy outreach session. This visit formed part of our continuous efforts to equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to resist Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early teenage pregnancies, and other practices that threaten their health, education, and future.

Nyakenyomisia Primary School is a vibrant and well-managed institution, known for its discipline and strong leadership. The school hosts a total of 555 learners — 135 ECDE pupils (70 boys and 65 girls), 230 primary pupils (150 boys and 80 girls), and 190 junior secondary learners (90 boys and 100 girls). The administration and teachers received the HFAW team warmly and actively participated in the mentorship activities, underscoring the importance of empowering learners with accurate information about their rights and well-being.

During the visit, the HFAW team held lively and participatory discussions with the learners on issues surrounding FGM, early teenage pregnancies, and personal protection from abuse. The learners listened attentively and asked thoughtful questions, revealing both their curiosity and the myths they often hear within their communities.

One learner, Miriam, not her real name, raised her hand and asked, “What are the rights of girls and women when it comes to FGM?” Another girl, Maggy, not her real name, shared a story that reflected common community beliefs. “My grandmother told me that being cut makes a girl beautiful and respectful,” she said shyly. Before the facilitator could respond, Joy, not her real name, quickly added, “That’s not true! I’ve seen girls who are not cut, and they look even more beautiful and are veryrespectful.”

Another learner, Fridah, not her real name, voiced another belief she had heard: “They say uncut girls will never get married or be liked by men.” Deborah, not her real name, chimed in, saying, “I heard that if a girl is not cut, her clitoris grows big, tears her panties, and starts to smell.”

The HFAW facilitators gently explained that these were myths and misconceptions passed down through generations to justify FGM. They commended Joy for her accurate observations. They clarified that the practice has no health or moral benefits but instead causes severe pain, health complications, and lifelong psychological trauma. The team emphasized that FGM violates human rights and that every girl has the right to grow up healthy, safe, and free from harm or discrimination.

The discussion grew even more personal when learners began sharing their own experiences. Keith, not her real name, spoke with determination: “When I get home, I’ll tell my mother and grandmother about the dangers of FGM.” Feldah, not her real name, shared a painful memory: “I once ran away from home after hearing my grandmother plan to have me cut.” Another learner, Phanice, not her real name, raised a difficult question: “Is it possible to restore the clitoris after FGM?” Joyce, one of the HFAW facilitators, responded compassionately that restoration is impossible for clidoridectory where the clitoris is cut off and dumped. She however mentioned that for the women who undergo infibulation (tightening the  vulva without cutting the clitoris), may have some  help getting this private  area untightened by specialized doctors. This is an expensive procedure done in developed countries. She urged the girls to resist FGM.

As the session came to an end, the learners expressed deep gratitude. Many said the discussion had opened their eyes and given them courage to speak up about issues that affect them. They eagerly requested HFAW to return for more sessions, showing a genuine thirst for knowledge and empowerment.

The HFAW team left Nyakenyomisia feeling inspired by the learners’ openness, bravery, and determination to protect themselves and their peers from harmful practices. It was clear that continued engagement is essential to cut the  FGM at its roots by creating resistance among the children and youths.  However it is essential to also engage with parents, elders, and community leaders—to challenge entrenched cultural norms and strengthen child protection within the community. That is HFAW’s continued mission.

On behalf of the entire HFAW team, I extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners and supporters whose unwavering commitment makes such impactful outreach possible. Your support enables us to reach schools like Nyakenyomisia, inspire young minds, and empower them to make informed, life-affirming decisions. Together, we can build a generation free from FGM and early teenage pregnancies—one child, one school, and one community at a time.

With deepest appreciation,
Doris Kananu
Program Director, Hope Foundation for African Women.

Dear Esteemed Friends and Partners,

With heartfelt gratitude, I am pleased to share the experiences and outcomes of our recent visit to Kiptendeni Primary School in Nyamira County, Kenya. Thanks to your steadfast support, the HFAW team was able to extend our outreach to this hard to reach school community. Kiptendeni serves a vibrant population of 362 learners—170 girls and 169 boys—supported by 20 teachers and three non- teaching staff members who created a welcoming space for our engagement.

In our participatory approach both learners and teachers identified key issues affecting students and entire community. “There is rampant FGM, declared one of the teachers. “Drug abuse and addition is common” said one of the learners. “I see premature sexual activities leading to early pregnancies” mentioned another one. “The school dropout rate in our community is very high” explained another teacher. HFAW staff listened and further explored the root causes of these many challenges, the effect
of these challenges on students and their community and what they can do together to reduce and ultimately prevent them.

After a long participatory and lively learner, teacher and HFAW engagement it was unveiled that the location of the school amidst tea plantation has a negative influence on students who copy bad behavior from the tea pickers many of them who come from urban centers. Students whose names
have been changed for confidentiality shared their ideas. Japheth stated that drugs came in due to peers influence. “I blame poverty within families as key cause of early pregnancies,” said Mary. “This compels students to seek solutions tea pickers, “she explained.

HFAW staff involved learners in suggesting solutions but also mentored them by inspiring them to focus on school and shared information on how and where to report abuses. They used real life examples on what happens to girls and boys when they drop off school so early due to a pregnancy
(for girls) or drug abuse.

The students were candid and open, though they did not reveal specific individuals involved in these situations. What stood out was their shared commitment to focus on their studies. “We want you to come back soon, you encouraged us to persue education” expressed Mercy. “Please talk to our parents especially fathers. Today seminar has been such an eye opener.” she added.

We encouraged them to remain steadfast in this resolve, reminding them that education is the surest path to a brighter and empowered future. “In the near future we will plan a forum for men in this community.” Said staff. It was clear that several forums are needed for men. Boys and leaders of this
community in order to compel these children’s protections.

The school’s leadership and community were appreciative of the conversation and expressed a strong desire for continued mentorship and future engagements to further support the learners.

On behalf of the HFAW team, I extend my deepest gratitude to you—our cherished friends and partners. Your continued support makes it possible for us to visit schools like Kiptendeni, to have these critical conversations, and empower young people to make informed and life-affirming decisions. It is not over until we engage with adults in this community. That is why your continued support is critical. Please share our work with your networks, so together we can expand our reach and protect these children. Even one child rescued is worthy it.

With deepest appreciation,
Doris Kananu
Program Director