The Impact of the Girl Power Programme
By Baraka Ezekiel Msimba
Baraka Ezekiel Msimba, the head of Katunguru Secondary School in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region, shares the transformative effects of the Girl Power programme implemented by Femina Hip between 2018 - 2020. The programme, aimed at empowering girls, has significantly boosted their self-recognition, confidence, and ability to handle relationship issues, leading to remarkable changes within the school.
Prior to the programme's introduction, Katunguru Secondary School faced alarming pregnancy rates, with more than four out of every five female students becoming pregnant within a year.
These pregnancies were largely influenced by the challenges faced by students in the Lake Victoria area. However, since the implementation of the Girl Power programme, there has been a dramatic shift. In the past two years (2022 and 2023), no pregnancy cases have been reported, signalling a major success in reducing teenage pregnancies.
In addition to this, the school has witnessed a decrease in student dropouts, and overall attendance has improved. A significant part of the programme's success can be attributed to the establishment of a new hostel for 800 girls, which was made possible In addition to this, the school has witnessed a decrease in student dropouts, and overall attendance has improved.
A significant part of the programme's success can be attributed to the establishment of a new hostel for 800 girls, which was made possible through the management realising that the Girl Power training was bringing positive changes to the girls and a solution to the pregnancies and dropouts had to be sought. This infrastructure has not only provided a safer and more supportive environment for the students, but also contributed to improved academic performance.
"In the 2023 exams, all 327 students passed, with 53 earning first-grade marks, 69 in second grade, 89 in third grade, and 116 in fourth grade. Importantly, no students scored a zero grade, highlighting the positive long-term impact of the Girl Power programme on both student welfare and academic success. Through this initiative, Katunguru Secondary School has fostered an environment where girls are empowered to thrive academically and personally." - BARAKA EZEKIEL MSIMBA, the head of Katunguru Secondary School in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region.
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