Kajiado Memories

                                                        KAJIADO MEMEORIES.

The #empowerakenyangirl Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) and early and forced marriages at Kajiado was an event to be kept in record books. It was a life-changing, transformative and inspiring moment. An event that really opened eyes, talking of eye I am talking about the eyes of the mind. The ability to see the world with a different look. The understanding that what seems so obvious and so rightful to you is not for everyone out there. This really awakened our senses and made us value what we had, educated us more about the infringed rights of girls within this society and what could we do to bring change to their environment.

The Swahili people will tell you ‘tenda wema nenda zako’ meaning do good and get moving, don’t remain and wait for gratitude. We were really grateful of the few days that we spent at Kajiado and the impact however little it was for the girls. The largest chunk of the event was mentorship talks from women who proved to be extraordinary despite the odds. An icon like Mrs. Ncharo, an anti FGM and children’s rights activist, Founder of Tawanga Foundation, a National winner of justice award in EA and also a Government administration officer just to mention a few titles. Ms. Jedidah Lemaron, founder of Malkia Initiative, an initiative that deals with educating girls about Sexual Reproductive Health(SRH) and distribution of sanitary towels, shared their experiences and gave the girls a reason to smile and keep living. The events that had occurred in their lives should be a reason they should work hard towards achieving their goals.

We held group discussion with the girls where we discussed various topics affecting them and what was the way forward in regard to the prevailing circumstances. It was so amazing how these young girls clearly understood the problems and so amazingly had suggestions on how these issues could be solved. A clear indication of the one who wears the shoe understands how much how it pains. They presented these possible solutions before the panelists and their fellow girls with so much enthusiasm, confidence and intelligence. In these sessions the girls sharpened their open mindedness, creativity, teamwork and presentation skills.

Artistic guys hello? We also held a talent Gala #AICgotTalents.In this forum the girls were given a platform to showcase their talents in different fields (modelling, singing, drama, dance and many other categories) The rescue Centre proved to be a home of future great models, drama queens, dancers and singers upon proper guidance and mentorship. This talent gala enabled them to work as a team, appreciate and see themselves beyond the difficult events they had gone through. What would you say about the level of girl empowerment and boy empowerment in Kenya? The hot debate was also discussed among the girls and they were debating if we empower the girls and leave out the boys, whom do we expect to marry these girls? Food for thought dear reader.

Work with no play makes jack a dull boy. Interestingly we had a field session, we carried out body workouts with the girls. The girls were so swift and they performed exceptionally in the field activities. Age is just but a number did not work here at all, due to their young ages they were more flexible than the adults.” AIC girls, be ready for #AICSEASON2 we will defeat you, we are really practicing on our end.” They got to smile and for a while forgot about their problems.

Co-Founder and CEO DWB ,Winnie Ayieko receiving a sanitary pack courtesy of Red Cross

It was the best camp that any individual would wish for. Want to experience the same? What are you waiting for? Join us in our next visit, you will have an interesting experience to share.