January - The Start of a New School Year!
Girls from 6 different nations come together!
A better future for Africa is closely attached to how the young generation is being cared for, nurtured, and lifted to a level where they can develop their gifts and talents.
- Liv Toril Rinding Skjeggestad
January 2025 | Start of the New School Year
January is not simply back to school - it is actually the BEGINNING of the new school year for the girls in Kenya!
Starting a new Grade Level
New schedule with new classes!
A chance to make new friends, and a chance to include others!
On January 3rd we held our “Start of the New School Year” event. It turned out to be all that we had hoped for and more. Why do we hold these events? These events are a chance for the girls to gather, support each other and enforce important life skills. But perhaps the most important of all the reasons, is that the girls do not feel alone. They know they are supported by the AGHF mentors and volunteers! Adults who care and know about their individual struggles and who they can turn to with questions.
January Event Purpose: The purpose of this event was to teach the girls essential life skills, help encourage and build their self-confidence, and prepare them for challenges they will face in their academic and personal lives in the coming school year.
• Volunteers and Helpers: We had four facilitators and additional support from our AGHF staff and volunteers; Leokadia (Mentor), Beatrice (Beneficiary), Bilha (Volunteer/Guest Mentor), and Daniel (Coordinator)
Topics Discussed: At each event, we pick specific topics to focus on that will help the girls with their current concerns, worries, and struggles
Time management
Personal grooming and menstrual hygiene
Self-worth and confidence-building
Team building and collaboration
Overcoming challenges faced at home and school
Girls in Attendance: A total of 127 girls attended the event, including primary and secondary school students.
Group Picture from the January Event
School Start Date: Schools are scheduled to reopen on January 8th.
The Girls’ Feelings About the New Year: The girls were optimistic and excited about starting the new year, especially after the motivational sessions. They expressed a sense of readiness to tackle the challenges of new academic levels. They were VERY appreciative of the sessions and expressed their gratitude accordingly.
Activities: This event included topic-specific group discussions, Q&A sessions, team-building exercises, and, of course, food, dancing, singing, and games.
Overall Outcome: The event was a success! The girls gained valuable life skills, felt more confident, and built stronger peer relationships. Many shared how they plan to implement what they learned in their personal and academic lives.
As you see from the photos the girls enjoy coming together. At AGHF we know that education is more than just money to get into school, but ongoing personal support. AGHF mentors are constantly there for the girls and this event is one of the many ways they reach out and help each girl navigate life’s challenges. Ultimately finding success in life and their schooling.