The Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Project launched three years ago in Kilifi South, Mavueni and Mtwapa is positively changing community lifestyle, impacting considerably on health, education, and mutual understanding.
The initiative sponsored by the Community Health Promotion Fund (CHPF) in collaboration with the North Coast Medical Training, initiative has brought significant positive changes to the community, fostering a culture of responsibility by assisting in mentoring parents and helping them identify their duties and rights regarding their children.
Muhammad Shami, a village elder from Mavueni, shared that the project has bridged the gap between parents and children, particularly through discussions on menstruation, empowering families to address previously taboo topics.
“The programme has assisted in mentoring parents through primary school, helping them identify their duties and rights regarding their children,” Shami said.
Initially, parent engagement was low, but it improved over time. “Parents are now able to assist and have free interactions with their children, thanks to this project,” he added.
The programme has established various activities to keep children engaged during free time including school breaks, with Mavueni Primary School performing well. For instance, debates have enhanced interactions amongst schools.
Shami thanked CHPF and partners for the enlightments, which he noted, has been well received and implemented by the community.
He appreciated the sanitary towels donation and distribution, which he says has helped girls stay in school, contributing improved hygiene and a decline in teenage pregnancies in the area.
As a leader, he promised to form a forum to sustain community discussions in Mavueni, even when the program come to an end.
Mwanajuma Athman, Chairperson of the Parents Committee, represents the children and stands with them. Over 200 students were trained during the holidays, categorized into age groups: 10-14, 15-19, and 20-24.
“The children enjoyed the program, speaking freely about issues needing clarification. They now understand their rights,” she said.
Amina Juma, a teacher at Mavueni Primary, noted significant improvements. “The CHPF programme has helped us address early pregnancies, improve student discipline, and boost academic performance. Activities like football are thriving,” she says.
Girls no longer miss school due to lack of sanitary towels, and teen mothers are returning to class. The programme has also helped boys struggling with substance abuse.
Pastor Sos Péter Mutuku, shared that his children benefited from the education, and he’ll continue the program through church youth sessions.
Ustadh Suleiman Katana, promised to integrate the teachings into madrasa activities, thanking CHPF for their impactful work and inviting them to return.
Parents Saum Said and Khadija Ali, praised the programme, “My children are doing well in studies and right behavior,” said Saum.
“They’ve improved in hygiene and no longer engage in harmful activities. Both parents and children understand their rights better,” added Ali, a parent.
The CHPF project has shown that with the right support, communities can drive meaningful change. Stakeholders urge for continued collaboration, to ensure all adolescents and youth in Kilifi South, access comprehensive sexual reproductive health education.
by Shamim Musa
