The communities will benefit through community mobilization, education, inter-generational dialogues and capacity development of duty bearers. PCF is training all sectors of the communities – school children, teenagers, adults, elders, village chiefs, circumcisers, healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers and religious leaders in order to prevent and respond to FGM/C and child marriage incidences. In addition, the communities are trained on how to use referral systems for quality service providers and child protection services in Samburu County.
Promoting and providing support services for children:
Encouraging children to seek quality professional support and report incidents of violence helps them to better cope with and resolve experiences of violence. Giving children and adolescents the skills to cope and manage risks and challenges without the use of violence and to seek appropriate support when violence does occur is crucial for accelerating the abandonment of FGM/C and child marriage in communities. The information that Samburu girls learn at Pastoralist Child Foundation’s educational camps is crucial in providing them with the instruction, confidence and self-esteem required to reclaim control of their own sexuality and make decisions about their future. Through comprehensive sexuality education Samburu girls now have the power to protect their future.
Young people leading the change:
Young people are trained on issues of FGM/C and child marriage. The youth proven to be effective champions of change together with various teams working on sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy conduct door to door rallies and public gatherings in the 6 selected villages to strengthen community based dialogues and increase awareness on the detrimental effects of FGM/C and child marriage to girls and women.
All-inclusive community participation:
Community inter-generational dialogues are vital for the abandonment of FGM/C. Therefore, the all-inclusive participation of youth, women, men, elders, chiefs and circumcisers is essential. Religious leaders will join dialogues to present factual information from religious texts that remove the belief and perception that religion condones FGM/C. The participation of teachers is also critical due to their important and respected roles as educators and role models who have the trust of their students. Community change agents also facilitate sessions on FGM/C and child rights, the social implications of FGM/C and its adverse health effects. Pastoralist Child Foundation’s efforts to bring everyone together to peacefully discuss the sensitive issue of FGM/C will advance the efforts to eradicate it. Listening to the population affected by these issues gives a voice to the “unheard.” Success is better guaranteed when everyone’s voice is heard and viable solutions can be collectively gained. Sustainability is assured when everyone is educated and agrees to make the life-changing decision to abandon FGM/C.
