On the 25th of June, 2024, the Hayat Initiative embarked on a meaningful journey to Iftin Primary School in Garissa County. This visit marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to end early marriages and eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through education, advocacy, and empowerment. With the dynamic leadership of our Chairlady Suheyla Dagane Macawiye, alongside Kowsar Gabow Karbat, we managed to mentor over 500 girls, inspiring them to envision a brighter future.
The Purpose of Our Visit
The visit to Iftin Primary School was part of our broader strategy to reach out to the grassroots, where the impact of early marriages and FGM is most felt. Our aim was not only to educate these young girls about the dangers and consequences of these practices but also to empower them with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights. By engaging directly with the students, we hoped to spark a change in their attitudes and inspire them to become agents of change within their communities.
Setting the Stage: Preparation and Arrival
In the weeks leading up to the visit, our team at the Hayat Initiative worked tirelessly to organize the event. We coordinated with the school administration, prepared educational materials, and planned interactive sessions to ensure that our message would be both impactful and memorable. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as we set out early in the morning for Iftin Primary School.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the school staff and students. The sight of hundreds of eager young faces, all brimming with curiosity and enthusiasm, was incredibly heartening. The school’s administration had arranged for a grand assembly in the schoolyard, where the entire student body gathered to hear from our team. Our visit spanned from 2 PM to 4 PM, a brief but impactful window during which we aimed to make a lasting impression.
Inspiring Change: The Mentoring Sessions
The mentoring sessions were the heart of our visit. Chairlady Suheyla Dagane Macawiye took the lead, addressing the girls with a powerful speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She spoke about the importance of education, self-respect, and the courage to stand up against harmful practices. Suheyla’s words were not just a call to action but a source of inspiration, encouraging the girls to dream big and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
Following Suheyla’s address, Kowsar Gabow Karbat led interactive workshops focusing on various topics, including personal hygiene, self-esteem, and the importance of staying in school. These sessions were designed to be both educational and engaging, allowing the girls to ask questions and share their thoughts openly.
Kowsar Gabow Karbat: Fostering Confidence and Self-Esteem
Kowsar’s session centered on building confidence and self-esteem. She shared her own experiences, emphasizing that every girl has the potential to achieve greatness. Through interactive activities and discussions, Kowsar encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and to support one another. She highlighted the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them, regardless of the obstacles that may come their way.
Engaging the Community: A Collaborative Effort
Our visit was not limited to the students alone. We also took the opportunity to engage with the teachers and parents, emphasizing the role they play in supporting the girls’ education and well-being. We held a meeting with the school staff, discussing ways to create a safer and more supportive environment for the students. We also addressed the parents, encouraging them to support their daughters’ education and to reject harmful practices like early marriages and FGM.
The Impact: Reflections and Future Plans
The response to our visit was overwhelmingly positive. The girls were not only receptive but also enthusiastic about the information and encouragement they received. Many of them expressed their determination to stay in school and to work towards their dreams. The teachers and parents also showed a strong commitment to supporting the girls, which was a promising sign of community-wide change.
Reflecting on the visit, Chairlady Suheyla Dagane Macawiye remarked, “Seeing the enthusiasm and determination in the eyes of these young girls was incredibly inspiring. It reaffirms our belief in the importance of our work and motivates us to continue our efforts to empower the girls of Northeastern Kenya.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
Building on the success of this visit, the Hayat Initiative plans to continue its outreach efforts in other schools and communities across Garissa County and beyond. We are committed to maintaining the momentum by organizing follow-up visits, providing ongoing support to the schools, and working closely with community leaders to ensure that the message of empowerment reaches every girl.
We also plan to develop more comprehensive programs that address the unique challenges faced by girls in this region. These programs will include vocational training, scholarship opportunities, and leadership development workshops, all aimed at equipping the girls with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The visit to Iftin Primary School was a significant step towards achieving our mission of ending early marriages and eradicating FGM in Northeastern Kenya. It was a day filled with hope, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to empowering every girl we reach, ensuring that they have the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The Hayat Initiative is more than just an organization; it is a movement driven by the belief that every girl deserves to live a life free from fear and full of possibilities. Our visit to Iftin Primary School was a testament to the power of education and mentorship in creating lasting change. We look forward to many more such visits, each one bringing us closer to our goal of a world where every girl can thrive.
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