FOL Introduction CREATING BETTER FUTURES

FOL Introduction CREATING BETTER FUTURES

Who we are Based in Londiani, a District in Kenyaʼs rift valley, we work with communities to improve access to water, health and education. Our aim is simple to work with communities to help create a better future for themselves

Put simply We are supporting rural communities in Kenya to make lasting changes and improvements to their lives

The journey so far

How FOL facilitates Community Development Partnership is core - FOL works with the community, and not just for the community Development is community led FOL are a catalyst Needs analysis is key - Needs regular review Regular communication is essential Monthly meetings with Key partners Partnership Seminars once a year for all partners to share information

FOL works to achieve the Millennium Development Goals

CREATING BETTER FUTURES FOL Strategic Plan 2014-2017

FOL Strategic Plan 2014-2017 In the next 3-5 years we will focus on: Creating an enabling environment through creating connections transferring knowledge and experience focusing on innovative responses to opportunity and needs Continuing, in a partnership based approach, to deliver relevant programmes focusing on sustainable livelihoods (including agricultural diversity and productivity to increase household incomes). recognising the importance on a gender perspective as an important dimension of realising change that facilitate economic development

FOL Strategic Plan 2014-2017 Transitioning to a Kenyan led organisation in partnership with an expanded and strengthened FOL network Building the capacity and capability of governance and program delivery in Kenya Reshaping the role of FOL Ireland as the key partner to FOL Kenya Establishing and strengthening other FOL focused entities* to achieve these strategic directions Focusing on financial sustainability to meet FOL s commitment in supporting the aspirations of the community

The future is about working together We are an organisation built on integrity, passion and good governance, with a track record of success. Working together with our Kenyan team we are building a sustainable future for the next generation. This is how: As advocates for people who don t have a voice In partnership with local people, officials, NGOs and the Kenyan Government We give people the tools to build on what they already have We take the traditional way of doing things to improve lives for everyone We work together to change the economic future for good

Girls for Girls Programme CREATING BETTER FUTURES

Girls for Girls Friends of Londiani (FOL) want to support communities in an initiative to enable all girls to remain in school. This is Girls for Girls Girls for Girls (G4G) views the education of girls and young women as a fundamental human right.

The issue Girls attendance at school is impacted by their monthly period. Embarrassment and lack of knowledge about Menstrual Issues Conditions of toilets at school. Lack of washrooms for girls. Access to affordable sanitary towels.

The solution Access to a variety of cheaper sanitary products in the community Sufficient and hygienic latrines and facilities for girls. Health/Hygiene education

Girls for Girls We believe no girl should ever miss a day of school because of lack of access to affordable, hygienic sanitary products

How the Programme works 3 part programme which is integrated into FOL s Healthy School Programme. Hygiene/ health education Infrastructure development Economic empowerment 26 August, 2014 Friends of Londiani

Girls for Girls Programme Principles year on year (for a lifetime) information not myths individuals, homes, and facilities choice of alternatives minimise waste no embarrassment in asking for money each month

Healthy Schools Programme FOL s Healthy Schools Programme is a joint partnership between FOL, School Management, staff and students, the local Ministry of Education and the local Ministry of Health. It utilises the concept underlying the World Health Organisation s initiative of the Healthy Environments for Children Alliance (HECA). The aim is to reduce environmental risks to children s health that arise from the settings where they live, learn and play by providing knowledge, mobilizing resources, and catalysing urgent action. This is achieved through a programme that provides training for teachers and increases students awareness of environmental health issues through classroom studies.

Healthy Schools Programme A student HECA club is formed in each school which aims to transfer knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and also in the wider community. Depending on the needs of the school, latrines and washrooms are part of the implementation of this programme. A school must be in the Healthy Schools Programme in order to join the Girls for Girls Programme. The Healthy Schools Programme is for all students. Girls for Girls has the added dimension of menstrual health.

Life Skills Programme FOL s Life Skills Programme has the following objectives: To help people to learn more about themselves To assist people to establish and achieve goals and make decisions related to their sexual and reproductive health To increase knowledge in three areas STI S/ HIV and AIDS, Relationships and Communication. To provide a discussion forum for a community to discuss these important issues which affect all strata of our society. The Girls for Girls Programme raises issues that are relevant to men and women in the community. The Lifeskills Programme is currently under review and will include elements of the Girls for Girls Programme going forward.

Supporting the MDGs and beyond Addresses health, education, and gender equity by providing basic sanitary products and proper facilities so that girls can pursue education after puberty. Enabled by partnerships Girl Declaration call to action for post- 2015 development agenda.

The story to date 2011: Pilot Project - 4 Schools (2 Secondary & 2 Primary); Links made with Huru International who manufacture reusable sanitary towels in Kenya. 2012: Pilot was evaluated & 18 more schools joined the programme 2013: Education programme continued in 22 schools; Survey conducted to measure impact; infrastructure projects in schools.

2014 to Date March Training for 18 schools on Income Generation & Economic Empowerment Partnership with reusable sanitary pad suppliers (KMET, Huru International, Afripads) Partnership with Practical Action looking at advocating for girls and women throughout Kenya Action Plan for each school to sustain the programme Integrating programme into Lifeskills programme which will give women and men in the community access to the programme. Partnership with Table Banking to enable more girls and women to be part of the programme.

Programme Partners Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world. Girls for Girls USA Soroptimists in Ireland (Cork & Bangor) Ulster Girl Guides Ministry for Health, Kenya Ministry of Education, Kenya KMET, Kenya Practical Action, Kenya Huru International, Kenya Out of the Box

Programme costs The average cost per school to implement the complete programme is $13,477 Cost Breakdown: 1. Infrastructure Costs for a school = $8,160 (Washrooms and Latrines with a water supply) 1. Support costs for a school for a year = $384 2. Training costs for a school = $749 3. Sanitary kits and resources for girls = $2,091 (200 girls; $10.45 per girl) 4. Programme Support Costs for a year = $2,093 5. Average Cost of Entire Programme per girl (200 per school) = $67.38

Family Finances The Wider Issue - Affordability Currently in Kenya, the cost of a pack of sanitary towels is between 80KSH and 100KSH Each girl will need between 1 and 2 packets of towels every month. This is a total cost per girl of 160-200 KSH per month The average family has 8 children If half of these are girls, the costs per month will be 640 800KSH The average income of low income families is $1 a day This means that disposable sanitary towels are simply not affordable. Girls for Girls use reusable sanitary towels (supplied by companies or made locally). On average the cost is 50KSH per month. This is a much more affordable option for the girls

Impact of the Girls for Girls Programme There is evidence that the G4G Programme is beginning to deliver real change. Girls not missing school during their monthly periods. The issue of girls rights to sanitation has been highlighted. The girls have more confidence as they can now attend school more regularly without embarrassment The girls have greater knowledge about their bodies and hygiene and access to better infrastructure. The girls have greater knowledge about economics and understand how to generate income. Girls advocate for the programme amongst their peers and community members. 26 August, 2014 Friends of Londiani

2013 Survey Results 95% of teachers and 75% of students saw improved school attendance as a benefit of the Programme There is an increased retention of girls in the schools surveyed. There is a reduction in water borne diseases in all schools, with particular reference made to diarrhoeal diseases.

When you educate a girl you educate a community When a girl stays in school She has more knowledge. She has more skills including economic skills. She can make more informed decisions about her health. She marries when she chooses. She has a greater understanding of health issues, and so raises a healthy family.

Women to women The Girls for Girls programme has a broad community base Issues raised in the programme are relevant to women across Kenya Many women still suffer because of lack of sanitary pads, and the taboos associated with discussing reproductive health issues in the community. Women are engaging with the programme to extend its reach into the community Women through table banking and are looking at ways to sustain the programme for all women and girls.

The involvement of men Some of the teachers in the G4G Programme are men. They are becoming more engaged in the programme They see the importance of retaining girls in school Women and men must work together. The programme needs all community members (male and female) to achieve sustainability.

Next Steps Continue to support the schools on programme implementation and sustainability. Continue to work with all partners to develop and expand the programme. Strengthen the partnership with Table Banking to enable more women to become involved Continue to work with men and women to remove the taboo associated with Reproductive Health Generating awareness for girls and women at various events across Kenya Extend the program to other schools and wider communities through the life skills programme. Together with our partners look at ways to advocate for girls and women across Kenya (and the world!)

With better education opportunities girls have a brighter future