Life Skills Education to End Teenage Pregnancy

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