EmpowerNet Schools
At ZanaA we believe in the power of education to break cycles of poverty, especially for girls, who face unique challenges. Girls and young women are the designers of our strategic after-school programs. Our goal is to increase their chances at success during school as they move toward graduation.
While providing sanitary pads to girls greatly increases the likelihood of them attending school each month, they still lack psychosocial support and strong role models. That is why ZanaA has run Empowerment Clubs since 2009 and have served over 1,000 students in the Kibera area. Each day of the week, ZanaA field officers meet with groups of 20 girls and discuss important issues that may not be covered in school or at home including but not limited to: peer pressure, drug use, self confidence/ esteem, relationships, love, and health and disease.
From January 2011 we adding an IT component to our sessions in partnership with the Girl Effect to improve access to technology for adolescent girls. Girls access empowering information and amplify their voice through social media.
Each week girls continue to discuss issues that impact their lives; but, instead of restricting this discussion to the classroom the girls blog and tweet about these topics. This gives them practice at navigating social media sites, gaining experience with technology and an ability to connect with other girls in the online global community.
We currently work in four Kibera schools with 110 girls who blog and tweet in groups of four (see menu bar to the right and above to see their views). Through 2012 we have partnered with the Population Council and Faulu Kenya to train girls in financial management. Girls set up their own bank account at Faulu to actively save, and learn vital life skills through a fun workbook they have each received. Once per month we discuss reproductive health information and blog and tweet.
Visiting
We welcome visitors. Schools meet as follows:
- Kikoshep Primary Mon 3.00, (Class Eight. This is currently closed to visitors due to increased insecurity in the area)
- St Cecilia Tues 3.00, (Class 4-7)
- St Juliet Thurs 3.00 (two sessions simultaneously for Class 5 and 7)
- Jeremic Academy Friday 1.00 (Form 1-4)
The cost of visiting is $20 (KES 1600) and goes towards program-related costs such as internet and materials. We’ll meet you 45 minutes before the start of the club, give you a brief orientation, and walk to the school together. At the Club you will sit with 4 girls and experience the Club together. You will also be invited to introduce yourself to the group and share a bit about your story. After the Club, we’ll bring you back to the office for a cup of tea and to debrief. You can pay us then, and we’ll give you a receipt.
Photos from EmpowerNet Clubs
Check out these awesome picture from day 1 of the EmpowerNet training sessions in early January 2010.
Girls’ Survey
As part of our comprehensive and participatory monitoring and evaluation program, we receive feedback from the students participating in our EmpowerNet program. The following is a comprehensive survey the girls filled out about our EmpowerNet program from term one 2010.
