Showing posts with label Nairobi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nairobi. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Girl Power In Everyday Life

As Girl Power Clubs Africa moves forward and grows, it is useful to remind ourselves WHY we are doing this.  This week we spoke with some of the girls from the schools in Kibera to ask how Girl Power has helped them and why they like being involved.

Lavender from Nairobi Day School is one of these girls. Lavender is 17 and as she puts it, has had "five years of being empowered" with Girl Power!

"The best thing about Girl Power is being able to go there and talk about the issues that affect girls and overcome them" Lavender says. "Sometimes we learn activities and we go to different areas and meet with other people and discuss what is going on".

With the Girl Power office in Kibera re-opening this month, it will mean an even closer space for the girls to meet and discuss what is troubling them.  "I think the best thing you can do is just empower girls. I feel OK because I learn things that can help me and I can learn to help my fellow friends" says Lavender.

Stay tuned for more stories from the girls in Kibera and Girl Power Clubs Africa.

Written by Hannah Collins, Volunteer at Girl Power Clubs Africa
Approved by Dr Liz Odera, Director at Sadili Oval Sport Academy

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Visits To Girl Power Clubs In March 2013


This month, our visits were done in 10 schools, with the help of 6 volunteers who


 came in to assist with the administration of the Baseline Questionnaire. Initially we had planned for 12 schools but due to some unforeseen circumstances we could not do 2 schools. We did recruitments of new members into the club in most schools. Similarly, we did selections for the girls who will come for the Training of Trainers Workshop on the Goal Curriculum and the Digital Story Telling slotted for April 2013. We selected 2-4 girls per school for this exercise basing our number of selection on the number of girls to be trained per school. We had to do some schools twice because of the page that was missing from the questionnaire. The Baseline Questionnaire was self administered.

Our visits began on the 15th-26th March 2013. The schools we visited were as follows
NAZARENE PRIMARY SCHOOL
 Here, the questionnaire was done by 50 girls. We recruited 41 new girls and selected 2 members to participate in the Training of Trainers workshop we have scheduled to commence on the 16th April 2013. Many girls has problems in doing the questionnaire, but our administrators made sure they girls were well catered for in terms of clearer explanations.
HOLY UNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
20 Members did the questionnaire, there were 00 new recruits and 2 members were selected to participate in the ToT workshop next month. Most girls did not understand the questions in the questionnaire, but we did our best to explain it to them in terms they understood easily.


MALEZI HIGH SCHOOL
We had 15 girls fill the questionnaire, 11 current recruits and 2 selected for the ToT.
The girls filled the questionnaire well with no challenges reported by the administrator.

 NAIROBI DAY SCHOOL
The current number of recruits is 27, 30 girls filled the questionnaire and 2 selected for the ToT. The questionnaire was filled with ease, only minimal complains were reported.
Some

MAONO EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
We were not able to issue the questionnaire here owing to the fact that the school withdrew from our programme without notice. Our administrators were not allowed to see the girls either. The patron gave a reason for this, saying that most of our programmes clash with theirs thus making it difficult for them to take part in any of our activities.

OLYMPIC HIGH SCHOOL
We visited this school twice, the girls who filled the questionnaire on the first round were 19 , and the second lot was 6. This was because the some of the girls had gone for a football match on the very day we did our first visit. No recruits were made here, and 4 girls were selected to participate in the workshop.

e) MUSLIM GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

We were unable to meet the girls because the patron was busy with other responsibilities. We made plans for another visit but we could not go because the  patron was away from school for medical purposes. Thus, the questionnaire was not   done and so was the recruitments.

f) MALEZI PRIMARY SCHOOL
      No recruitments were done here, but the questionnaire was issued and filled with 12 girls. 2 girls were selected to take part in the ToT. The girls did not have any problems doing the questionnaire as our administrators explained it to them in simpler terms making it easy for them to answer the questions.

g) PARKLANDS ARYA GIRLS
The visit was not fruitful as our administrators were unable to meet the girls due to poor timing. However, we rescheduled for another day, and still we were not able to meet the girls. Their patron gave a reason why, saying the girls has attended another school function so the turnout would be low. She therefore suggested that we plan for another visit next term because the remaining days of the term the girls are having examinations.

h) LANG’ATA BARRACKS HIGH SCHOOL
No recruits were done in this school. 12 girls however did the questionnaire and 3 girls were chosen to participate in the ToT. There was no challenge in the administration of the questionnaire reported.

KAREN C’ SECONDARY SCHOOL
This school had a total of 16 girls who all did the questionnaire. No recruits have been made yet, but they will notify us once they have the new members. 4 girls were chosen tom take part in the ToT Training. The administering of the questionnaire was successful, without any mishaps.


j) HURUMA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Recruitments made here were 4, the questionnaire was done by 15 girls and 3 were selected to take part in the ToT Training. The patron was not in school on the day we visited, but we were able to have a session with the girls.

We faced some challenges in some schools while doing the visits and administering the baseline questionnaire. They were:
Misinterpretation of the questionnaire by some girls
Language barrier where some found the language very difficult to understand. For such cases, we explained the questionnaire in simpler terms that they could easily understand.
Some girls took too much time answering the questionnaire
RECOMMENDATIONS
Use of simpler and clear language
Questions  should be more open and precise
Avoid leading questions
The questions should be shorter as the students complained that the questions were many

CONCLUSIONS
All exercised planned during the visits were accomplished with ease.
Most of the girls understood the questionnaire well and correctly completed it
The number of recruitments made was satisfactory
We were received well in all schools
The girls, the patrons and also the various school administrations were very cooperative all through

Thursday, August 2, 2012

GIRL POWER OFFICE IN KIBERA IS COMPLETE

Finally, a newly refurbished safe space for girls! The new Girl Power Africa Office based in Katwekera Village, Kibera in Nairobi, received a new boost as refurbishments took place, ensuring that it can host more than 200 girls of different ages and ethnicities who learn important lessons on Life Skills. It acts as the best spot for reaching out to girls who live within the slums, as many do not get a chance to travel far.

The vicinity of the office is embroidered with a tank that holds clean drinking water used by the community. Clean toilets and bathrooms are also available, serving more than 60 households and in a way reducing the transmission of waterborne diseases hence improving livelihoods.

This wonderful project was sponsored by the Embassy of Netherlands in Kenya, through Women Win.

Top two rooms (new addition)

Shows the lower half of building 2, with 2 toilets and 2 bathrooms (refurbished)

Original Building 1, with an additional room on top (new) of old room

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Surprise Wins at Sisterhood World Cup

RESULTS

Sports for Life Programme, co- organizers of the Girl Power - Sisterhood World Cup 2012 booked their quarter finals slot alongside Olympic B after winning their decider match against St. Christines 3-0. Similar sights were observed in Pool B after Olympic A and Malezi Primary booked their tickets to the quarter finals of the event. Olympic A whitewashed Nazarene 4-0 on their way to topping the pool while Malezi Primary were comfortable with a nil – nil draw in propelling them to the quarters. Pool C recorded a surprise exclusion from the quarters when Pumwani received shock treatment from new comers Karen C who sneaked in  a 7thminute goal through Emily Achieng. Makina Self Help A who have worked extra hard in their campaign emerged top of the pool with 8points and 5 goals while Karen C emerged second with 8 points and 3 goals. In Pool D, Favorites Future Talent and Makina Self Help B emerged top in the pool with 9 Points and 6points respectively after recording impressive performances at the preliminary stage.

1.       UJAMAA VS OLYMPIC B 0-2 (Amina Hassan 2nd minute, Elizabeth Nachi 7th minute)
2.       SPORTS FOR LIFE VS ST. CHRISTINES 3-0 (Bihenda Sharon 9th minute, Beatrice Achieng 10th minute, Agnes Achieng 12thminute)
3.       KAREN C VS MAKINA SELF HELP 0-0
4.       ST. MICHAEL HOLY UNiTY VS MALEZI 0-0
5.       MAKINA SELF HELP VS LANGATA BARRACKS 0-1 (Mercy kabaga 5th minute)
6.       OLYMPIC A VS NAZARENE (Mary Wanjiru 4th minute, 8th minute, Tabita Wanjiru 10th minute,Ralio Mako 13th minute)
7.       KAREN C Vs PUMWANI (Emily Achieng 7th minute)
8.       PUMWANI VS HURUMA 2-0 (walkover)
9.       FOUNDATION OF HOPE VS MAKINA SELF HELP A 0-2 (walkover)
10.   MAKINA SELF HELP A VS HURUMA GIRLS 2-0 (walkover)

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Girl Power Leadership Workshop

''I HAVE A BALL'' GIRL LEADERS WORKSHOP

Girl leaders form different Girl Power Clubs meet at Sadili Oval Sports Academy's members lounge to mark the year's first girls meeting. The workshop whose purpose was to have the girls intodeuced to the year's activities and equipped with the necessarry skills needed to help them through leadership.

Vital skills such as servant leadership, the value of team work, communication,integrity, honesty and alot more was learnt.

Begining with a Health talk by Dr. Mwaka Mutsumi (one of our project assistants) followed by a movie session by JaYoung Naphtalie Margaret (our project assistant) where the girls watched an inspiring movie ''The Invictus'' which depicted one of Africa's greatest heros, Nelson Mandela and his term as president of South Africa. Helping the girls through the discussion session where important lessons were drawn was done by guest speaker,Ms.Pauline Nyawira and assisted by JaYoung Naphtalie Margaret.

The day climaxed with founder, Dr.Elizabeth Odera take the girls through introduction to ''I have A Ball'' as which was combined with one one health talk session with the help of Dr. Mwaka Mutsumi. Girls expressed their thoughts, shared their views, exchanged ideas and learnt of very many health facts and found clarification on many health topics in the focus topics of Menstration and Abortion and how girls are affected.

Ending the eventfull day were rules the girls came up with that would later guide them in their new competition ''I Have A Ball'', thereafter the girls were given new balls that they will use in their respective chosen sports, received their participation certificates and a group photo! This one day workshop also marked the begining of campaings for SISTERHOOD WORLD CUP 2012!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Diana's Story

DIANA'S STORY

Many girls especially those from the slum areas and some times those of the middle class society, do face some form of abuse, rejection, betrayal, negative peer presure, lack avenues where they could channel their energies to. They also lack some safe haven where they could run to for help and end up getting rejected and ridiculed by those they love and loved and literary they turn a disgrace and societal rejects within their own communities. They hurt and hope for better lives if only.....they could get help, some skills and a chance too! Some have risen above those problems and now plunge ahead in life having seen both sides, they tell their stories...such is the story of one Diana Ambasha. Raised by her grandmmother after death of her mother at age 8. Never knew the man who sired her but was greatful to have a loving grandmother who cared much and made effort to school her. Talented in football, she joined a local team in the Kibera slum where she was born and raised. At age 16, she got pregnant and the man responsible took off. Diana had just competed her Primary School. Disappointed grandmother decided to chase her for fear of what her neighbours will say especially after the man responsible took off. Troubled Diana's freinds had deserted her....she turned into a laughing stock and soon closed in her self and never left the house from which, she was now being away kicked from. Through Sisterhood World Cup 2010, which she played in, we came to know of her. We heard her story and did a follow up. Making endless visits even on muddy days into the slums of Kibera, talking to both grandmother and granddaughter untill they were able to accept the situation and embrace each other. The two are now great freinds and Diana brought fourth a beautiful baby boy to whom we took donated baby clothes and got her a few basics. Diana is now back to school and has joined high school, with the help of Dr. Liz Odera. Beautiful and happy as never before, Diana is back to the pitch playing for her school team Malezi and Sadili's Sport for Life - Girls team!!! Plays any position except she says dont give her the goal post. Dreaming big, Diana says she has seen a new light and is thankful to Girl Power Clubs Africa and her hero Dr. Liz Odera for taking her back to school and will never disappoint,only do her best.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

OPEN CONFERENCE ON THE KENYA CONSTITUTION

The Girl Power Clubs had a special opportunity to learn
about the Kenya's Constitution and how to take advantage of it, at an open conference for teenage boys and girls held at Sadili Oval Sports Academy.
The boys were also given the chance to speak out and be heard and in so doing, promoting gender sensitivity and equality. The conference also acted as a platform for the launch of the BOYS 2 MEN INITIATIVE which has recorded massive improvement in its registration since.



Participants learned about the work of the newly created positions
in the lines of the senate government and devolution, both new aspects that grace the pages of the newly enacted constitution. It is also important to note that the young enthusiasts in attendance
were also equipped with preparation skills in dealing with the coming general elections in 2013. Since the 2007 post election violence, when the country had been torn apart along ethnic lines, efforts towards national healing have always been pooled together among different social classes. This conference, which was held by Girl Power Clubs, in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation's PLDP and Women Win, delivered much needed lessons in ethnic co-existence and national cohesion. The attendees who came from different secondary schools had their own unique stories with regard to the atmosphere surrounding the events during and after the elections, when the country was in the doldrums
All youth pledged to continue with the healing process in their communities and that each one will see the country hold free, fair and peaceful elections come 2012.
Special thanks go to Sadili Oval, the Girl Power Clubs, Women Win, PLDP and Dr. Liz Odera for bringing together the 46 boys and 62 girls in an interactive and highly informational conference.