ADAPTING A SCHOOL IN OUR COMMUNITY

Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Past international day of the girl (IDG) 2022 Theme: The time is Now- our rights - our future was a day Young African Women Initiatives(YAWI) decided to change the norm. As a team leader i asked my team if we could change the tradition of creating a safe space for girls and involve boys in celebrating the day.  We decided to visit a neighboring school with four hundred pupils 198 girls and 212 boys learning in under- resourced school. the objective is to raise awareness on IDG among the pupils and why it is important to celebrate the girl child. we mobilized resources including underwear, snacks , balls,journals and trees for planting the event.

the day was celebrated with dances, poems, games ( tag of war), motivational talks, menstrual hygiene education   and presentations. 

we did not realize the event was so impactful to the pupils majority said they did not know such a day was being celebrated.  one week later the pupils are still grateful that we visited their schools to celebrate the day,  they have never seen visitors in their schools  or even receiving gifts from people. the school is in the heart of middle income estate but the environment is not conducive at all. they lack desk, proper toilets, class are made of iron sheets with no floors. Majority lack uniforms and girls lack underwear and sanitary towels so they are forced to miss classes during periods.   what majority of us may think its obvious to access a sanitary towel it is a nightmare for these girls in this school

We finally decided to adapt these school to empower both girls and boys to ensure gender equality