Community mentorship session with girls and boys in Yimbo East ward Bondo subcounty.

During the November and December Holiday, Rhark worked closely with the community gatekeepers, Indigenous religious leaders, community mobilizers and parents whpo organized seven sessions for young people of age 14-24 that targeted 120 young people, Our trained peer educators were able to train 56 young people who completed the seven day sessions ,equipping them with age-appropriate valuable skills and knowledge across a range of inspiring topics.

✍️Day One Getting to Know You and Setting Realistic Goals

Participants explored steps to achieve their dreams, focusing on building confidence in making healthy choices for a better future. Discussions emphasized responsibility, making a difference, and identifying realistic goals to work towards their aspirations.

✍️Day Two: Your Body and You

This session focused on educating participants about the physical, emotional, and sexual changes associated with puberty. It also highlighted the benefits of abstinence and fostering self-awareness during this critical stage of development.

✍️Day Three: All You Want to Know About HIV and STIs

Facilitators shared comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, risky behaviors, and the importance of understanding personal vulnerability. Participants learned to identify behaviors that increase the risk of contracting HIV and STIs and developed a deeper understanding of prevention strategies.

✍️Day Four: Identifying Risky Situations and Saying No.

This session equipped participants with skills to recognize and avoid risky situations. Using the SWAT (Stop, Wait, Ask, Think) approach, they practiced strategies to resist pressures that could lead to STIs, pregnancy, and HIV.

✍️Day Five: Protecting Yourself from Child Sexual Abuse.

Participants gained awareness about child sexual abuse, including recognizing perpetrators, identifying unsafe environments, and learning preventative measures. They were also guided on what to do in cases of abuse and informed about available resources.

✍️Day Six: All You Want to Know About Pregnancy and Peer Pressure.

This session increased participants' knowledge about pregnancy, its consequences, and the impact of peer pressure on decision-making. Emphasis was placed on understanding personal vulnerability to HIV, STIs, and pregnancy.

✍️Day Seven: Role-Playing Refusal and Negotiation Skills.

Participants developed communication, negotiation, and refusal skills through interactive role-playsto advocate for abstinence. The session reinforced a sense of pride and responsibility, empowering participants to resist situations that could place them at risk for pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.

By Emmaculate Okioi