By Reuben Olita -Busia
Amagoro, Busia County — Founder and Executive Director of SFN Africa, Trizabel Mulan, has lauded the success of a back-to-school initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls and boys through health education, mentorship, and dignity support.
It was a collaborative initiative
between Jenga Afrihub and SFN Africa.
The program, implemented in partnership with the County Government of Busia, Multimedia Kenya, Y Plus, Urban Loft, and other private sector players, brought together over 320 adolescent girls at the KNUT offices in Amagoro.
Key Achievements
Participants were taken through:
Reproductive health sensitization
Menstrual hygiene management training
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness, supported by paralegal experts from Y Plus
Distribution of dignity kits, including both disposable and reusable sanitary pads
Health professionals, including the County Reproductive Health Coordinator and a medical doctor, led interactive and scenario-based sessions to equip the girls with practical knowledge on hygiene, personal health, and decision-making.
Beyond the Classroom
Flanked by Founder and Executive Director, Jenga Afrihub, Marian Murunga, Trizabel emphasized that the initiative will not end with the event:
“We are going to follow up with mentorship programs as these adolescents go back to school. We also aim to build their leadership capacity and guide them in making progressive life decisions.”
SFN Africa’s Broader Mission
SFN Africa operates through integrated pathways focusing on:
Health and digital innovation
Economic empowerment
Policy and governance
Climate resilience, WASH, and nutrition
The Amagoro and Angurai divisions in Teso were selected for the pilot phase, with plans to scale the program across Busia County and eventually nationwide.
Addressing Emerging Challenges
Trizabel noted that economic hardships continue to push vulnerable girls into risky situations, increasing exposure to HIV/AIDS and GBV.
She called for a paradigm shift in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and youth empowerment through policy reforms and community-driven solutions.
Inclusion of the Boy Child
The program is now expanding to include boys:
“The boy child is equally endangered. We are rolling out mentorship, education, and dignity kits—including essentials like boxers and soap—to ensure inclusivity.”
The rollout for boys is expected before mid-year.
Voices from the Beneficiaries
Students who attended the event expressed gratitude and shared lessons learned:
Valentine Asamait (Nambale Shiners School):
“Teenagers must avoid early pregnancies and HIV/AIDS because it affects their education and future.”
Leila Esther (Amagoro Comprehensive School):
“We were taught how to maintain proper hygiene and prevent infections. The dignity kits will really help us.”
Rubiline Adero (Ikapolok Comprehensive School):
“We thank the sponsors and urge them to sustain this program for the benefit of more students.”
Call for Collaboration
SFN Africa reiterated the importance of partnerships:
“Integration, collaboration, and synergy are key to achieving meaningful and lasting impact in our communities.”
