Brighter Futures project update
In 2015 we completed a comprehensive research project into the root causes of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in Ndhiwa and the most successful interventions. Our research found that:
- SRGBV in Ndhiwa is highly prevalent but underreported by schools and local government
- 62% of girls have experienced violent or sexual threats in schools
- 67% of girls felt that they may receive lower grades if they did not reciprocate sexual advances from male teachers
- 1 in 4 respondents felt that it was sometimes ok to raise a hand to a girl
Our research showed that the key perpetrators are male teachers, and male community members, and that traditional attitudes, a lack of formal education and poverty are the basic root causes of SRGBV.
What are we doing about it?
Objective one: To raise the profile of girls’ rights issues in the communities in and around Ndhiwa through the implementation of a mixed gender football skills programme in local primary schools.
Objective two: To use the football programme as a means of reaching the wider community in order to challenge attitudes and make long -term changes in the ways girls and women are treated.
Objective three: To provide support and guidance for girls who are vulnerable to and / or victims of gender-based violence. Girls who need individual help will be identified through the football programme and by their teachers.
To reduce acts of violence it is crucial to address girls’ everyday relationships in their schools, families and communities. In 2017 we launched our Brighter Futures project including a mixed gender football programme to sensitise children and young people on issues around violence against women and girls, challenge attitudes and behaviour in the wider community, and identify girls that are in need of support.
From 2017 – 2020 we will deliver this programme to over 3,500 children in 12 primary schools in Ndhiwa. We anticipate that we will reach a further 6,000 adults through our community workshops and over 600 girls will receive additional support through support groups and individual mentoring.
“This is the best project I have seen empowering the community to this extent, regarding SRGBV in schools. Good work keep it up” – Wilfred Omollo Sub county Probation Officer
At the end of 2017, we had delivered project activities to over 2,300 people in Ndhiwa. Below is a small selection of some of the activities that have taken place so far:
- Inter-school ‘fun day’ where 180 children played football and discussed issues surrounding SRGBV.
- Workshops and ongoing training for teachers on the use of alternative’s to corporal punishment and positive behaviour management
- Community events where stakeholders came together to learn about SRGBV and discuss the importance of gender equality.
- Recruited Girls’ Advocates in partner schools. The advocates will be a supportive and safe person in each school for girls to talk to and someone to monitor progress made on SRGBV issues in each school.
- Introduced a football team for the high-risk girls who have demonstrated real passion, skill and interest in football.
- Home visits, consultations with teachers and pupils
- Group sessions on personal safety, assertiveness, confidence building and where to find advice and support
- 20 of the most vulnerable girls selected to receive monthly extra support packages, guidance, counselling and home visits
What is the community saying?
“We as parents really appreciate the event, we wish to have more of the same to identify talents and moral behaviour engagement especially during holidays” – Kasuku Luse, Constituency Aids Coordinating Committee Coordinator.
“Such events should be held at least three times a year. Thanks am very grateful” –Linet Apondi Parent –Koduogo
“The NCEDP/Team Kenya should expand the same to other schools in the entire constituency, thanks a lot for the programme”- Levis Chanyi, Police Officer Ndhiwa.
“It was worth having this event, I only request that you incorporate / focus on having other like-minded organization to help you handle issues of GBV/SRGBV in wider society” Steve Ombiri Dreams Coordinator.
“The programme is very well but my request is to enlarge to reach more children and members of the community to remove ignorance and immoral behaviour”-John Kabasa Sub County Children Officer Ndhiwa
Our next project update will be in July 2018. If you have any questions about this project, would like to know more, or would like to support this project please contact firstname.lastname@example.org