GGI Newsletter

MAY-AUGUST 2023 | ISSUE 1

GFORGIRLS INITIATIVE

1. Transforming Lives:
   G for Girls Initiative
   ‘
   s

school sessions
In a world where the potential of our
future leaders lies within the hearts and
minds of young girls, G for Girls Initiative
seeks to be a beacon of hope for young
girls seeking empowerment and a
brighter future through our school
mentorship sessions.
One of such sessions led by Maria
Tsuma, the Project Officer, and Susan
Ng’ang’a, the Communication Strategist
at Tsuini Primary School is one of the
events. Gathering 42 young girls, the
self-awareness session focused on
teaching active listening and emotions.

GGI’s mission is crystal clear: to equip these
girls with essential life skills and knowledge
that would serve as the foundation for their
future success. The objectives of this session
were meticulously crafted:
Define self-awareness, active listening,
and emotions.
Equip girls with active listening skills.
Help girls understand the concept of
emotions, their types, identification, and
expression.
Cultivate a strong foundation in active
listening.
The session commenced with a warm
introduction, ensuring the girls felt comfortable
and engaged. To gauge the girls’
understanding, a self-awareness pre-test was
distributed, guided by Fatuma Ray Kacha. This
pre-test would later become a benchmark to
measure the session’s profound impact.

Beyond new knowledge, the session introduced the girls to new words, including
“empathy” and “betrayal.” The girls eagerly embraced these words, expanding
their vocabulary and understanding, and fostering a love for learning.
Throughout the session, questions were encouraged, igniting the girls’ curiosity.
Susan Ng’ang’a thoughtfully explained the meaning of “Initiative” in the
organization’s name, G for Girls Initiative, ensuring the girls left the session with
deeper insights and broader horizons.
The self-awareness session conducted by the G for Girls Initiative is just one
ripple in a vast sea of change. GGI’s commitment to empowering young girls
goes beyond the classroom. It’s about transforming lives, building confidence,
and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Stakeholders, supporters, and partners,
your investment in GGI doesn’t just impact these girls; it creates a ripple effect
that will shape our future for the better.
This is the impact of G for Girls Initiative, and it’s a story worth being a part of.
Join us in this journey of empowerment and transformation. Together, we are
shaping a world where every girl has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
thrive.

Fatuma Ray Kacha then embarked on an exploration of self-awareness, describing
it as “understanding and knowing oneself really well (kujijua).” Emotions, the heart
of the session, were introduced in an engaging manner – as “how they feel (hisia).”
An emotions wheel and an activity involving drawing emojis to represent various
emotions brought the concepts to life.
Active listening skills were honed through interactive games and storytelling. The
“Grab and Not Get Grabbed” game tested concentration and focus, while a
relatable story about Sarah’s struggles with listening conveyed the importance of
active listening in a captivating way.
A practical example involving Stacy’s inattentiveness when Mwanasiti approached
her with a problem served as a lesson on healthy and unhealthy emotions. The girls
shared their healthy emotions, building empathy and sisterhood among them.
The girls left with more than just theoretical knowledge; they participated in a
telephone activity demonstrating how misunderstandings can occur when people
fail to listen carefully. This real-world application emphasized the vital nature of
good listening skills in life.

Amidst the growing challenges of our changing world, one
resounding truth stands strong: the heartbeat of our planet
lies in its biodiversity. This event was not merely a gathering; it
was a harmonious call to action. With 30 passionate
participants from diverse backgrounds, a powerful ripple of
change began – one that embraced the ancient art of yoga to
preserve the precious tapestry of life we call biodiversity.
Welcome to a story where yoga meets nature, where hearts
and minds unite for a remarkable cause – the “GGI na Vijanaa
Forum: Yoga for Biodiversity.”
The primary objectives of this event is to raise awareness
about the significance of biodiversity preservation, foster a
sense of connection with nature, encourage sustainability, and
enhance physical and mental well-being.

The event welcomed participants from various organizations, including G for Girls Initiative
CBO, Smart Move Community, and 15 members from different organizations. Notable figures
present included Priscah Mongera, the Executive Director of G for Girls Initiative, and Naomy
Kemei, Programs Manager. Jamal from Smart Move Community played a crucial role in
facilitating the event.
The event commenced with Ada from Smart Move Community leading a vigorous stretching
session, setting the energetic tone for the day. This physical activity was both enjoyable and
invigorating, preparing participants for the enriching discussions that followed.
Jamal then took the lead, guiding everyone in a circle to introduce themselves and their
respective organizations. This interactive session fostered connections and a sense of unity
among participants, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on biodiversity.

2. Empowering Youth through Yoga for Biodiversity:
   A collaborative event by GGI and Smart Move Community

One of the main outcomes of the event was the
relaxation and mental clarity achieved through
yoga. Participants found the experience
rejuvenating and appreciated the physical and

mental well-being it offered.

This event highlighted the critical role that yoga
can play in promoting biodiversity conservation
and personal well-being. The lessons learned
underscore the need for policy experts in the
field of Community Integrated Development

Plans (CIDP).

In conclusion, G for Girls Initiative CBO’s “Yoga
for Biodiversity” event was a meaningful step
toward empowering youth and fostering a
deeper appreciation for our natural world. It is
our hope that the lessons learned, and
connections made will continue to ripple out,
promoting biodiversity conservation and
sustainable living for a better future.

3. EMPOWERING TEACHERS FOR SAFER SCHOOLS:
   G FOR GIRLS INITIATIVE’S TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP

On the 17th of August, 2023, GGI
conducted a significant training for
teachers at the Kids Care Conference
Center. This workshop, led by Mr. Joram
Mutsotso, focused on equipping
teachers with essential knowledge about
gender, sexual and gender-based
violence (SGBV), child protection, and
the reporting of such cases. The event
was a full-day affair, running from 9:00
am to 5:00 pm.

Create Gender-Sensitive
Classrooms: To enable

teachers to establish gender-
sensitive and safe learning

environments.
Handle SGBV Cases: To equip
teachers with the skills to
effectively handle SGBV
cases within a school setting.
OBJECTIVES

One of the interactive activities involved a “Power & Vulnerability Walk,” where
participants physically moved forward if they identified with certain roles like a
parent, chairperson, driver, nurse, or entrepreneur. This exercise led to
discussions about power dynamics and vulnerability, crucial elements in

addressing GBV.

The training brought together 14 staff members from different schools, each
representing a unique perspective and set of experiences. After introducing
themselves, the teachers shared their expectations for the training, which included
gaining more knowledge about GBV, understanding the role of G for Girls Initiative
in supporting girls, comprehending the impact of GBV on children, and learning how
to handle gender-based violence cases effectively.
Mr. Joram, a seasoned trainer specializing in child protection issues, led the
participants through a comprehensive agenda, breaking the day into four main
categories:
Gender and Sex Concepts: This session aimed to differentiate between sex and
gender, highlighting the socially constructed nature of gender and its fluidity.
Gender-Based Violence: Mr. Joram provided insights into various forms of GBV,
emphasizing its impact on women and girls.
Safe Spaces: The session explored the importance of safe spaces for survivors
of GBV and the role teachers can play in creating such environments.
Legal Framework: Participants gained an understanding of the legal aspects
related to GBV and child protection, including the Sexual Offense Act.

The training event was highly informative, and it was evident that the participants’
knowledge on gender, GBV, child protection, and reporting processes significantly
improved. However, there were some time constraints, and participants recommended
extending the training to 2-3 days to allow for a more in-depth exploration of these
vital topics. Additionally, there was a consensus that safeguarding, given its critical
importance, should be prioritized in future training sessions.
The Teacher Training Workshop was a remarkable success, achieving a 90%
improvement in participants’ knowledge of gender, GBV, child protection, and
reporting processes. The post-training evaluation clearly demonstrated the impact of
this knowledge-sharing endeavor.
This training is a significant step forward in creating safer, more inclusive learning

environments for students. The commitment of these teachers to their students’ well-
being is inspiring, and we look forward to their continued growth as champions for

gender equality and child protection.
We extend our appreciation to Mr. Joram for his expertise and dedication and express
gratitude to all the teachers who attended the workshop. Together, we are making a
difference in the lives of children and promoting a safer, more equitable future for all.

4. G FOR GIRLS INITIATIVE CBO LEADS

THE WAY:

BEACH CLEANUP FOR A SUSTAINABLE

FUTURE

In the spirit of International Youth Day 2023, whose theme centered around
“Green Skills for Youth, on the 12th of August, 2023, we organized a Beach
Cleanup event at Bazo/Jimbo Beach, with the goal of fostering environmental
responsibility, promoting sustainability, and creating a cleaner, safer beach
environment. The event lasted from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and was attended by
15 staff and champions from G for Girls Initiative CBO, along with 16 local
children, all with the shared vision of a cleaner, greener world.

Our Beach Cleanup Activity yielded numerous positive outcomes. We left the beach
cleaner than we found it, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable environment for
everyone and encouraged local children to take pride in their surroundings and
fostered a sense of responsibility for maintaining a clean environment. The event
reinforced a crucial lesson: environmental cleanliness and responsibility are shared
responsibilities. It is not only the duty of external parties to preserve our environment,
but it is also the responsibility of local communities to take ownership of their
surroundings.
Our Beach Cleanup Activity had clear objectives: raise awareness about preserving
beaches, engage youth in conservation, promote environmental responsibility, foster
community, and ensure beach cleanliness and safety. It was a collaboration between
the local community and GGI.Together, we managed to collect approximately 100
kilograms of trash, predominantly plastic bottles and materials, which would have
otherwise harmed the marine ecosystem.

As we look ahead, we recommend:
Collaboration: Partnering with other organizations actively involved in
environmental conservation to amplify our impact.
Survey and Planning: Conducting preliminary surveys to ensure clear
communication and logistics before hosting activities in new areas.
The Beach Cleanup was a powerful reminder that small actions can lead to
significant change. We applaud the dedication of our champions and the local
community. Together, we are taking steps toward a more sustainable and cleaner
world, where everyone plays a part in preserving our natural treasures.

We express our gratitude to all who participated and eagerly anticipate future
endeavors that bring us closer to a greener, more sustainable world.

The Best of August

5. Empowering young students: G for
   Girls Annual Scholarship Workshop

The power of education in transforming lives
cannot be underestimated. Recognizing the
lack of financial resources as a key hindrance
to access to education for rural schools, GGI
held its Annual Scholarship Workshop on
August 11, 2023, at Jego Primary School, Lunga
Lunga. The workshop aimed at equipping
students with the knowledge and skills needed
to pursue scholarships effectively. With 67
eager participants in attendance, the day was
filled with insights and inspiration.

OBJECTIVES

Guest speakers Agnes, Pauline, and Gabriel shared inspiring stories of their academic
journeys, highlighting their transitions from neighbouring villages to prestigious schools
such as The Hillcrest, Eldoret, and Kwale High School. Their tales were a testament to
the power of determination and hard work.
Maria delved into the workshop’s core content, educating students about scholarships,
the application process, requirements, and attachments. Priscah provided invaluable
insights on tackling essay questions, empowering students to craft compelling responses.
To facilitate practical learning, students were divided into groups, with the support of
teachers and staff, to fill out Elimu Scholarship application forms. This hands-on exercise
provided students with a firsthand understanding of how scholarship forms should be
completed.
Priscah, GGI executive director, guided students on interview preparation and etiquette,
ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared for this critical step in securing
scholarships. The event concluded with closing remarks from the guest speakers and
students.

Understanding Scholarships: Ensure
students understand what scholarships
are and their significance.
Navigating the Scholarship Process:
Equip students with a comprehensive
understanding of the scholarship
application process.
Requirements and Attachments:
Educate students about the essential
requirements and attachments needed
during scholarship applications.
Obligations and Responsibilities:
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of
students, teachers, parents, and G for
Girls Initiative throughout the
scholarship application journey.
Essay Writing Skills: Provide students
with tips and guidance on crafting
compelling scholarship essays.

www.gforgirls.org
UPCOMING

Meaningful youth participation training
Menstrual health management training
Catch-up meeting with youth champions
Child advisory committee meeting
OCA Training