Strengthen FAHP for the coordination and implementation of FGM/C interventions, influencing zero tolerance on FGM in Sierra Leone

The programme was called to order by the project Officer who briefly introduced the project giving the background, objectives and target children, focusing on the protection and prevention of women and girls from Harmful Traditional Practices especially Female Genital Mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). key objective of the activity was to encourage school going girls who are benefitting from this project to be able to complete their basic education circle without interruption. This we believed can be achieved if the most needed support is offered to remove economic burden from parents where government support is not coming. These vulnerable girls are expected at the end of their Basic and Senior Secondary Education would have been informed enough to take correct decisions about their body as to whether they should be initiated or not. The selection was done randomly by looking out for the less privileged girls whose parents under the difficult economic circumstances cannot afford to support educational cost of their children in our operational community. The schools administrations supported the selection exercise based on their knowledge of pupils’ vulnerability under their observation in the last academic year. Available record indicate that usually, a good percentage of girls dropout of school at this transitioning period that require high cost for registration fees, uniforms and books. The level of vulnerability will also increase for those particularly at upper primary due to increased social pressure, onset of puberty, early initiation including FGM and early marriages. These affect learning outcomes, employment prospects, and contribute to intergenerational cycles of poverty.

However, during the meeting, the District Coordinator continued to sensitize the parents and the adolescent girls about the harmful effect of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting on the health and well-being of girls. This practice is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, the Coordinator said. In response, parents express appreciation to SHADE and its partners for giving this most needed support for their children to start new academic year. They promised to continue protecting their girls and others who have not benefited from the support from harmful traditional practices that will negatively affect the future of the girls as they grow to adulthood.

The following items were supplied in the packages to each of the 25 girls.
A school bags, a pair of black shoes, 2b Pencils, a mathematical sets, Rulers, Pens and a packet of 200 pages exercise book.
Parents and the children were excited and happy when receiving the support. One of the beneficiary girls who gave the vote of thanks expressed how high she was motivated with the support and promised on behalf of others that they will pay attention to their education rather than participating in the promotion of FGM in their communities.