SKILLZ Girl: 750 adolescents complete the programme in five schools in Pemba

The SKILLZ Girl programme, implemented by Girl Child Rights (GCR) in partnership with Grassroot Soccer (GRS), with funding from ExxonMobil and in collaboration with the provincial and local Government, held the graduation of 750 adolescents – 600 girls and 150 boys. The graduation closed a cycle of 12 sessions delivered over six months in five schools in the city of Pemba.

What the programme addresses

The initiative focuses on the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the prevention of early unions of children under 18.

In the schools and neighbouring communities, the project offers a package of integrated services in safe spaces for girls, adolescents and young women, particularly in settings affected by cyclones and by the presence of populations displaced by the armed conflict in several districts of Cabo Delgado.

Football as an educational tool

The programme uses football as an educational tool to promote girls’ empowerment and education on sexual and reproductive rights.

The graduation ceremony

The ceremony reflected the satisfaction of the participants and of the school management. Progress was noted in the girls’ well-being, in the development of socio-emotional skills and in the reduction of school absenteeism.

Cultural activities – theatre, dance and poetry – also marked the day and helped broaden community awareness of SGBV and STIs.

Challenges identified

Implementation revealed significant challenges:

• the weak case management capacity of the gender focal points in schools;
• the lack of suitable safe spaces for receiving and counselling girls;
• the need to strengthen teachers’ awareness of gender-based violence and of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA);
• the difficulties many girls face in completing secondary education, which limits their opportunities and aspirations.

Partnerships that continue

The partnerships with health facilities and school management continue to support prevention campaigns, reporting mechanisms, sexual and reproductive health support and psychosocial support, strengthening community protection in Pemba.

SKILLZ Girl is implemented by GCR in partnership with Grassroot Soccer and funded by ExxonMobil.

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