By Doris Kananu | Program Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
At the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW), we believe that every girl deserves to grow up with dignity, confidence, and the right knowledge to make informed choices. Recently, our team visited Ollolua Primary School, where we spent a powerful day with 55 adolescent girls.
The outreach focused on three key areas: menstrual health, prevention of early pregnancy, and building essential life skills. Too often, girls in rural areas miss school or suffer in silence because they lack information, sanitary products, or the confidence to talk about these challenges. We wanted to change that.
Through open discussions, and interactive lessons, we reminded the girls that menstruation is a normal part of life and there is nothing to be ashamed of. We demonstrated safe hygiene practices, encouraged them to ask for help when needed, and gave them practical tips to manage discomfort during their periods.
We also held a heart-to-heart session on early pregnancy. The girls learned about their right to say “no,” how to recognize inappropriate behaviour, and the importance of staying in school. To strengthen their resilience, we introduced simple but powerful life skills: communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
To ensure the lessons were not just words but action, each of the 55 girls received a dignity pack containing sanitary pads and underpants. These small items carried a big message: you matter, your health matters, and your future is important.
The responses were touching. One girl shared, “I now feel prepared to manage my periods without fear of missing school.” Another said, “I have learned that I have the right to say no and to focus on my education.”
Teachers and staff at Ollolua Primary welcomed the initiative warmly and committed to supporting their learners beyond the training. Their involvement gives us hope that the change we started will continue to grow within the school.
At HFAW, we remain steadfast in our mission to restore dignity, break harmful taboos, and empower girls to thrive. Thanks to your continued support, we are making sure no girl is left behind.
Together, we are building a brighter future for girls in kenya and beyond.
With gratitude,
Doris Kananu, Program Director.
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