At least 200 adolescent girls in Homa Bay have undergone mentorship on life skills to fight the vices that affect their wellbeing at school.
Reports indicate that Homa Bay is among the counties with a high number of child right violation such as defilement and HIV infections.
Different groups called Champions for Change Youth Network are helping the girls to overcome challenges they face as they pursue education.
Group founder Evelyn Atieno and officer in charge of child protection at Plan International Kenya Joseph Mwita said they conduct mentorship to help girls overcome obstacles that prevent them from achieving their dreams.
She said the talks have had a positive impact on a number of school going children in the county.
“Statistics indicate that Homa Bay is most affected as many girls have had their rights violated. We use data from different agencies to identify these areas,”Atieno said.
Champions for Change Youths Network get support from Plan International Kenya.
Atieno said children from Ndhiwa and Rangwe are mostly affected by sexual offence vices and other forms of abuse, based on records from the children services department.
During the talks, different agencies are invited to witness how adolescents are mentored.
On Wednesday while at Rambusi primary school in North Kanyamwa, Ndhiwa constituency, the team brought on board local administration, children services officials, state and non-state officers.
“We try to let younger professionals be the ones mentoring the learners to make them more comfortable. They understand many problems the young girls are undergoing,” she said.
Mwita said the exercise is meant to strengthen children's rights.
“We’re widening skills and knowledge for girls to know that the decision they make will impact their lives especially on sexuality,” Mwita said.
During the talks, mentees were given packets of sanitary towels, bars of soap and panties to address menstrual hygiene.
Homa Bay Children Services officer Joseph Otieno said the public should be made aware of the penalties that are there when children rights are violated.
He said enabling community members to know the consequences of child rights violation will reduce children abuse.
“It is better to prevent than to respond. We will however respond to any case of child abuse and ensure suspects are charged and convicted in court,” Otieno said.
Acting area Chief Kenneth Oguttu said parents should take a leading role in moulding their children to become responsible citizens.
“It is possible to correct a child when he or he does a mistake. Failure to correct them is likely to lead to negative consequences,” Ogutu said.
