With students out of school due to COVID-19, there has been an increase in sexual activity and teenage pregnancy, which puts girls at a higher risk of contracting an STD, leading to physical and mental health risks.
HIV prevalence in Kisumu, Kenya is 3.4 times higher than the national prevalence at 19.9%.
Young people ages 15 to 24 years old make up about one-third of all new HIV infections in Malawi.
Before RAP, less than a quarter of participants understood the purpose of contraceptives. As a result of the RAP workshops, 96.5% of participants now understand a variety of pregnancy prevention methods. Additionally, the girls learned how STDs are transmitted and received condoms for protection.
Participants learned how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and received reusable masks, hand soap, and hand sanitizer to protect themselves and others in their communities.
“I learned that we should not stigmatize people with COVID-19 but instead show them love and do what I can to protect myself.”
Participants learned about the female reproductive system and menstruation. Before RAP, zero participants had enough menstrual hygiene products to last through their next cycle. After RAP, 100% of participants had enough pads to last through their next cycle.
The girls learned about consent and creating personal boundaries so they can maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
"I learned that I have the right to create limits for myself, in all relationships."
Through a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) model, WCI ensures that every program is culturally relevant and builds local leadership capacity. Our trainers not only gain the skills to conduct workshops, but are also able to integrate lessons with a refined local knowledge of the needs and resources in their communities.
Read more about our pilot program in Kenya here.
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Every contribution makes a difference!
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