2024 - Sri Lanka | Nigeria | Uganda |  Other

DESIGN OF RAIN WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM FOR NOBLESWEAR (PVT) LTD., HORONA, SRI LANKA

 Rainwater harvesting in the context of a watershed means collecting runoff from within a watershed area, storing it, and employing it for different purposes. Rain water harvesting is wide variety of interventions to use rainfall through collection and storage, either in soil or in man-made dams, tanks or containers bridging dry spells and droughts. The effect is increased retention of water in the landscape, enabling management and use of water for multiple purposes. An appreciable amount of the rain that falls on  land is lost due to run off ( 78.8% from the Wet zone)and only around 40-60%  of the total rainfall is infiltrated into the soil profile.

 Site Location: Jethavanaramaya, Horona

Roof area of the 5 large buildings 1833 m2

Annual Rainfall for  Horona  1325.70 mm

Type of  Catchment Area   (Sqm)

Dome 1  465

Dome 2  465

Academy  278

Rehabilitation  325

 Sangawasa   300

 Total             1,833

Runoff potential from Large Roofs in the Premises

Feasibility of Rainwater  Harvesting at

 Option 1: Rainwater Collected from roof of  Dome 1 and Dome 2

 Annual run off from Dome 1 and Dome 2 is 493, 160 liter from each roof

Average Monthly run off : 41,096 liters or 41 m3

It is proposed to have 4 x 10 m3 PE tanks ( if the roof height is more than 11 ft) collecting roof water from each building. The tanks can be placed on either side of the building. The over head of the tank is to be directed to a pond/lake or allowed to infiltrate to the ground.

Option 2 Rainwater Collected from roof of  Academy Building, Rehabilitation and Sangawasa Building

Annual run off from each of these building is in the range of 295,000 – 340,000 liters. Average monthly run off from each of these building are  30- 35 m3. Therefore 3 or 4 x 10 m3 PE tanks or 2-3 x 16 m3 can be placed to collect the run off from the roof. The over flow of the tanks is to directed to a near by well or pond.

Option 3 Rain water collected from roof of Kuti

Roof water collected form Kuti can be directed through gutters and down pipes to a under ground tank ,  nearest pond or well to recharge the ground water table.

Option 4 Construction of Ponds or Lakes to retain the run off water

To construct these small lakes the FAO Manual on small earth dams (http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1531e/i1531e00.htm) ,  which can be down loaded from the Internet free on small lakes is recommended. The FAO hand book gives the volume of a small lake as:1/6 x length x width height of the Dam.

To construct a Dam use of earth will be most economical. However in constructing an earthen dam attention should be made to the following:

•       An over flow should be big enough prevent any  spill over the earthen dam

•       Toe of the earth dam should have a toe filter to prevent the toe eroding. ( Figure 4)

Figure 4 : Detail of Toe Filter of a Earthen Dam

Important Notes:

1.        Since this is a residential area and prone to dengue mosquitoes breeding, adequate precaution need to be taken, such as to rear fish in the ponds to prevent mosquitoes larvae breeding.

2.       Adequate precaution need to be taken to prevent any persons or animals falling into the water.

3.       During heavy rain the pond can over flow and cause flooding in the area, therefore overflow has to be adequate

4.       Special attention should be made to prevent facilitating any landslides especially in landslide prone areas. In the construction of underground dams and high elevation lakes, relevant options should be informed to the relevant authorities for advice.

5.       Pond lining is recommended for sandy soil areas.

Estimated Cost Option 1-2  //  Material cost    //   Unit cost    //   No. of units    //  Total

1.Rainwater Collected from roof of  Dome 1 and Dome 2 ( PE tank 10 m3 with 4 length of gutters, first flush, filter and base without labour cost)   272,000  //  8  //  2,176,000

2.1 Rainwater Collected from roof of  Academy Building, Rehabilitation and Sangawasa Building  ( PE tank 10 m3 with 4 length of gutters, first flush, filter and base without labour cost)  // 272,000   // 9   // 2,448,000

2.2. Rainwater Collected from roof of  Academy Building, Rehabilitation and Sangawasa Building ( 16 m3 ferrocement tank. 4 length of gutters, first flush filter and labour)  //  250,000   //   6    //   1,500,000

THE PARTS OF THE PLASTIC TANK ( 10 M3 /5 M3)

Executive Summary Both human and wild life are paramount assets of economic growth and development. The continued co-existence and safe guard of the two remains the pre-occupation of the political governments all over the world. Launched in 2018 with a goal of solving the problem of fragmentation in the agricultural produce market and to help bring equilibrium between food security and the population through a well streamlined food supply chain that brings livelihoods of smallholder farmers back to the centre of the food equation while the urban population can affordably access quality, safe and fresh food, Nampya Farmers Market also seeks to bring equilibrium between human life and wild life in game reserve communities through Bee-keeping. We hope, besides ensuring co-existence of the two, beekeeping will help to increase food security, create jobs and therefore lead to sustainable communities after energizing farmers through the Apiculture-Crop System. 

1.0 BACKGROUNND INFORMATION Agriculture continues to be a key sector for economic development in Uganda. It is a source of income to the rural people, contributing greatly to earning foreign exchange, assuring food security and providing jobs is increasingly important in an attempt to fight against poverty. In some parts of Uganda particularly the densely populated areas, agriculture production is on the decline and the natural resource is degrading. In the Game Park Communities of Uganda like the Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchision Falls and Queen Elizabeth, with the attacks of wild life like elephants on their fields, destroying their crops, small scale famers today are looking for ways and means in farming enterprises that can enable them to earn reasonable and reliable incomes and improve the welfare of their families. Beekeeping is one of such farm enterprises that a sizeable proportion of the farming communities in these areas can practice. It is an activity which these communities can slowly practice and eventually gain popularity as a commercial enterprise after realizing the wealth that can come from this stress-free economic activity. In West Nile for example, the honey business is already booming with much of the honey from their unique flavored honey because of the vegetation in their communities. In this regard, there’s need to grow this Bee keeping enterprise in the Game Reserve communities like Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, etc owing to its low investment both in capital and labour besides being useful for nature conservation. Beekeeping has the potential to become a fully commercialized enterprise; earning reasonable and reliable incomes for the communities in question if the conditions for production; processing and marketing are favorable. 

2.0 THE APICULTURE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENT 

2.1 The project If invested in, Nampya Farmers Market will blow the candle to spread through the project communities especially with youth and women involved. While the cause is the conflict between human and wild life, the project is to address the inter-related problems of poverty and environmental degradation within Game Park communities. The immediate objective of the project is to increase the cash flow and livelihood opportunities based on sustainable natural resources. The project will use an approach of a revolving fund to emphasize on each household at least to have an apiary. There will be creation of market linkages between the farmers and bulk buyers of honey and its bi-products. Collaborations will be made possible with others to promote entrepreneurship and skilling through the project with the likes of candle making from wax as a bi-product. 

2.2 APICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN GAME RESERVE COMMUNITIES 

Nampya Farmers Market is a Ugandan private sector Company that yarns to bring equilibrium between food security and the population through a well streamlined food supply chain that brings livelihoods of smallholder farmers back to the centre of the food equation while the urban population can affordably access quality, safe and fresh food, However, we’re now on an urgent assignment of bringing equilibrium between human and wild life in game reserve communities by engaging in and promoting beekeeping for production of organic honey, propolis, venom and other beekeeping bi-products in Game Reserve Communities. For this, Nampya seeks to develop synergistic partnerships with the rural communities of the Game Reserves. In this assignment, Nampya Farmers Market will install and manage demo farms in the communities and at the demo farms we will be training the community members in beekeeping, providing them with seed capital (in terms of equipment like hives) and Nampya Farmers Market will then market for the honey they will produce. Our honey will be linked to big chain supermarkets by supplying honey in huge quantities like to Mega Standard, Shoprite, Hot loaf, Capital shoppers, Kenjoy Supermarkets and also in Kikuubo where there is the biggest market for honey that later is circulated all over the country. Currently there is also a lot of demand for honey in Uganda by Herbal drink factories like Kituzi, Kazeire, Mukama Nayamba etc. Let’s not also forget the huge foreign market and demand for honey in developed countries in Europe and the Middle east. 

2.3 Problem Statement 

In game reserve communities, poaching and poisoning of wild animals by the nearby farmers who claim their crops are being destroyed by these tourism assets after escaping from the reserves. Game Park wardens do report this problem to the authorities but in vain. It is absurd that even this wildlife does kill the people (particularly farmers while in their fields). This leads to loss of both human life and wild life at the same time. Nampya Farmers Market seeks to operate and engage farmers in a beekeeping business in a bid to mitigate human and wildlife conflict. We intend to train and supply farmers with beehives to use them as active fences to prevent animals like elephants from destroying their farms. The farmers will then sell back the bee products to Nampya Farmers Market which will then market these commodities not only locally but also globally. Game Reserves are communities with the potential of producing large volumes of high-quality honey. Several honey value chain studies in our country and the East African region have shown that honey and other bee products have a ready market at local, national and regional level. The local market for table honey is significant, and demand outstrips supply with lots of honey produced being taken by many off-takers/traders in Kampala and Kenya. Trade opportunities for other bee products are also growing. While there is a myriad of opportunities to improve people’s livelihood through beekeeping, there’s little or no beekeeping is done in the Game Reserve communities of Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchision and Queen Elizabeth as well and generally the entire game reserve communities. As this is true, there’s plenty of land on which this activity can be implemented but possibly people do not know about the activity or lack a kick start. This implies a significant array of agro productivity-improving opportunities that are poised by beekeeping in these communities. 

3.0 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 

3.1 Feasibility Criteria 

The ultimate goal is to bring harmony between human and wild lives while having an efficient, profitable and sustainable honey traceability hub at Nampya Farmers Market. This hub should be run in partnership with the local communities in the said areas to maximize their potential and are able to relate to each other honey business. The project has the following key objectives: 1. To engage smallholder farmers in the game reserve communities of Bwindi Impenetrable in apiculture (Beekeeping) for alternative income in addition to crop production. 2. To improve on crop production in the game reserve communities of Bwindi Impenetrable through free pollination from the bees. 

3.2 Feasibility Criteria 

The assignment will involve training of the citizens in beekeeping and providing them with one-time repayable loans through honey produced. Its socio-economic benefits can be judged even in the first few years of its operation because it’s a kind of an input that has been missing to benefit this community for so long. 

3.3 Chain development 

Honey production is constrained with the lack of understanding on various aspects of the product. Therefore, Nampya Farmers Market will conduct awareness and training on: (1) Production related issues which are likely to affect the quality and improved production and harvesting techniques. (2) Processing techniques. Farmers will be trained in various ways of honey processing techniques. (3) Increasing the volume in order to attract the anticipated buyer. We will find a way of motivating farmers to raise their production through provision of improved beehives as well as promotion of bulking for collective marketing. This model will encourage smallholder farmers to work with us in a symbiotic ‘win-win’ partnership. 

3.4 Assessing Technology 

Nampya Farmers Market will assess technological constraints in honey production, processing and marketing in relation to what is available in the market both locally and regionally. We will identify the different types of tools/equipment needed and recommend the type of Technology to be promoted amongst the farmers. 3.6 Sustainability At the heart of the partnerships mentioned above, is working together with TUNADO and our farmers in a symbiotic ‘win-win’ partnership. The need for the development of this will arise from the need to introduce a more market-sensitive, realistic, and economically-viable underpinning for the bulk of quality organic honey. Therefore, at the core of Nampya Farmers Market, this is sought to develop a synergistic partnership between the three parties. Nampya Farmers Market intends to supply at least a ton of honey to a chain of supermarkets in Kampala. Therefore, there is guaranteed market for the honey, and so there’s a guaranteed increase in income for the farmers in the communities we shall have worked with. Role of rural communities in the Project • The rural communities and small-scale / subsistence farmers will only need to have interest and a piece of land where they can put a minimum of 2 hives. 

4.0 IMPACT ENVISAGED  

• A network of farmers for an efficient, profitable and sustainable honey value chain  

• A network of beekeepers and artisans in the communities  

• Increased volume of good quality honey  

• Participation of the marginalized groups  

• Creation of employment to youth and women  

• Knowledge transfer  Increased yields in crops due to pollination from bees  

• Afforestation due to planting of trees to inhabit bees 

6.0 CONCLUSION 

Its upon our belief that this project is an inclusive one - looking to benefit everyone on the way. It will help diversify productivity of the constituents in the communities aforesaid. The farmers will be able to responsibly take on both their reproductive and productive tasks. Thus, its worthy investing in. 

Address: Plot 34 Namayumba Town Centre, Namayumba Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda P.O. Box 36099 Kampala – Uganda Tel: +256(0)393 112 999, 0312 112 999 Email: info@nampyafarmersmarket.com , Web: https://www.nampyafarmersmarket.com 

Testimonials

Testimonies from some of the project participants

Adonga Jane, 26 years old, single mother of 2, and a resident of Gayaza-Kanziro which is part of the Bwindi-Impenetrable Game Reserve community, appreciated the projected. With the beekeeping skills planted in her and the seed capital offered to her in terms of 5 bee hives, a bee protective suit, gum boots, she says through the past year, the ground work has been done for her to advance the activity. She says the past year set the scene and gave her the opportunity to collaborate on our strategies and raise awareness around the human-wildlife conflict in her community.

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With the experience earned, Kakande Albert (in red shirt), a community youth leader and farmer at Semnpya Village also found in the game reserve community of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, says he’s now calibrated and aligned and that training and seed capital set him in the focus of bringing equilibrium between himself, family, community and the wildlife through beekeeping, moreover a profitable activity. He confirmed he’s now elevating his priorities in conserving biodiversity while improving on his crop yields (through free pollination by bees) while earning a side income from the bee products. He takes pride in the apiculture skills he was gifted with and claims he now fully understands his role and responsibility of protecting human and wild life through sharing of information and building over his capacity as a community leader.

CONCEPT NOTE 01/04/2024 

SUMMARY ORGANIZATION Centre for Teens Health and Development 

PROJECTNAME MOReusablePadProject 

CONTACTS CountryOffice 24TunduFulaniNewSite,Bwari,Abuja 

CONTACTPERSON OlaniranMorenikejimi 

PROJECTTITLE: EducationandReproductiveHealth 

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE  To educate women and young girls on the knowledge and importance of body autonomy, sex education,mental health and menstrual health  Eradicate teenage pregnancy and period poverty.  To empower women and girls with the right information and retain theirdignity 

EXPECTED RESULT Risk of Period Poverty is reduced, Quality sustainable menstrual product is achieved, Effective education on reproductive health and body autonomy of women and girls is improved through holistic development and empowerment

LOCALIZATION Internallydisplacedpersons (IDPs) camps /Underserved communities in Abuja,Nigeria 

NO. OF IDPS / COMMUNITY 10 IDPS and 8 Underserved Communities 

LENGTH 10Months 

PROJECTSTARTDATE 1October,2024 

NO.OFBENEFICIARIES 2000 

COST 8,500USD The rationale behind the increment is exchange rate parity 

CONTEXT ANALYSIS AND JUSTIFICATION 

In Nigeria, the activities of Boko Haram insurgency and non-state actors responsible for thedisplacedof people in their respective states to internally displacedcampsknownas IDPs. 3.0millionNigerians (asofNovember2021) havebeenpushedoutandcompelledtofleetheirhomes.

 Themaincausesoftheemergenceofinternallydisplacedperson(IDP)campsin Nigeria are the nation’s persistent conflicts, acts of violence. Internal displacement has been largely caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in northeasternNigeria,whichhascompelledthousandsofpeopletoabandontheir homes and seek safety in internally displace camps. Living in internally displaced people camps have a significant impact on individuals. The life in the IDPs is difficult because of the size of the camps and the number of the people that lives there. Over population, inadequate housing, no access to good shelter and food. No access to resources and services, including menstrual hygiene products. In these IDPs individuals may face challenges such as limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and health care services, which can exacerbate the difficulties of managing menstruation. Period poverty, which refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate sanitation facilities a common issue in displaced communities. 

Menstrual product is expensive to purchase, women do not have a stable source of income and this constraint and girls in these camps struggle to afford or access menstrual hygiene products, leading to unhygienic practices such as using rags, leaves, nylon and other unsanitary materials during their periods. This can increase the risk of infections and other health complication. The lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, individuals in displace camps may face challenges related to cultural taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. This can lead to feeling of shame and embarrassment, further exacerbating the difficulties of managing menstruation in these already challenging circumstances. The combination of limited resources, lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and cultural taboos can have a significant impact on the health and well being of individuals living in displaced camps. 

Education on menstruation is important as it helps to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, reduces stigma and shame, and empowers women and girls to manage their period effectively. Teaching about body autonomy and personal hygiene is essential in promoting the rights of women and girls to make decisions about their own bodies, including their menstrual health. Also access to sustainable menstrual product (reusable pad) is necessary resources to manage their period hygienically and comfortably, and will reduce the number of out of school students in the camps. Reusable pads are cost effective, environmentally friendly, and can provide long-term menstrual hygiene solution for women and girls in resource constrained setting like IDP camps. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes providing access to menstrual hygiene products (reusable pads), improving sanitation facilities, intensive education on menstruation, period tracking, and addressing cultural norms and taboos surrounding menstruation. By addressing these issues, we can help ensure that individuals in IDPs have the education, resources and support they need to manage their periods safely and hygienically. Providing effective education on menstruation, body autonomy and training on making reusable pads we can help empower women and girls in IDP camps to take control of their menstrual health and well-being. This, in turn can contribute to improving their overall health, dignity, and quality of life in challenging circumstances. 

PARTNER PRESENTATION 

Survey and Data Development Initiative (SADDI) is a non-profit, non governmental organization founded as a direct response to the problem of insecurity, conflict, crises and other developmental problems in Nigeria. We are committed to improving the lives of populations and communities affected by insurgence, violence, conflict and displacement through the provision of rehabilitation and reintegration services (including raising the standards of livelihood, psychological and trauma care), and supporting peace-building and conflict prevention initiatives at the community level. 

As an indigenous Non-governmental organization (NGO) operated by a team of core committed and trusted individual researchers, facilitators and consultants that participated in the framing the National Policy on Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Programme, gives us unique knowledge and insight on Nigeria’s security situation. SADDI delivers ISO… compliant research solutions and Programme, meeting projects’ time, cost and quality criteria exceeding donor expectation most of the times. We value the company’s corporate values of trust, probity and discretion. 

In addition, our competence also cuts across areas such as monitoring and evaluation, report writing, sectorial plan assessment, policies evaluation etc. The management team can boast of 12 years working experience. Unlike other research firms, whose focus is global, Survey and Data Development Initiatives’ focus is local, about Nigeria and its people. 

Their mission is to be the credible organization that analyzes policies and issues with the purpose of filling gaps in knowledge towards better decision making process and equitable outcomes without fear or favours. Vision is to inform people, nations, organizations and corporate bodies where political, economic and social decisions and outcomes are based on verifiable facts and figures. 

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE 

The project proposes a new way of working in IDPS camps and underserved communities across Abuja, Nigeria from geographically and thematically fragmented interventions towards a collaboration approach that harnesses the comparative strengths of multiple actors to strengthening the resilience of women and girls in IDPs north central Nigeria. Through advocacy, awareness, mentorship, sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Considering the foregoing situation, the project is designed to New Kuchigoro, Karamajiji, Malaysia garden, Durumi, Kuje, Lugbe IDP camps and underserved communities will be randomly selected in Abuja. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

The main objective of this project is to improved women, young adult and teenagers perceptive through holistic development, empowerment. Improve the menstrual health and hygiene management of affected people of concern, restore human dignity, empower women with life-skills information and eradicate period poverty across IDPs and underserved communities in Abuja. This project, seek to increase the involvement of IDPs/ underserved communities in menstrual stigmatization prevention, taboos, access to informative education of menstruation, teenage pregnancy, body autonomy, personal developmental information. Provide support and education on menstrual wellness by addressing menstrual cleanliness, de-stigmatizing dialogues about wellbeing and tackling period poverty through training and distribution of reusable pads. The project will also involve research writing on the effect of this project and it implementation. 

Sex education: women and young girls in the targeted area lack access to sex education. Sex education is high quality teaching and learning about a broad variety of topics related to sex and sexuality. These program will influence their values and beliefs about the topics and helps people gain the skills needed to navigate relationship with self, partners, community and managing one’s own sexual health 

Effect of Teenage pregnancy: Unwanted pregnancy is common and high in IDP camps/ underserved communities, some parents advise their children to follow men and bring money home, girls sleep with men so they can buy menstrual product and eat food. This sometimes led to pregnancy. Women and girls will be intensive educated on effect of unwanted pregnancy and also will be trained on vocational skills such as bead making, soap making, adire making, snack making among others so they can be empower to provide basics needs for themselves. 

Body autonomy: training and mentorship on the ability of one to demonstrate power and agency over choices concerning their own bodies will be discussed. IDP camps/ underserved communities women and young girls do not have the agency over their body. They are vulnerable and do not have the necessary information of their body and choices 

Menstrual health education: individual in various IDP camps/ underserved communities will be trained on good menstrual health and hygiene practices, this is to prevent infections, reduce odors and help women and girls stay comfortable during their period. Education on hygiene, menstrual wellness by addressing menstrual cleanliness, de-stigmatizing dialogues about wellbeing, myths, taboos, period tracking among many others. 

Period Poverty: In IDPs camps / underserved communities period poverty is a community health dilemma. There is insufficient access to menstrual product, education, and sanitation facilities. Women and girls uses nylon, leafs, unhygienic materials to stay clean. These have lead to infections, increased out of school children and stress trying to stay clean. Through these project women and girls will be trained on reusable pad making, usage and maintaining. Also reusable pads will be distributed to all women and girls in the IDP camps/ underserved communities in Abuja, Nigeria. 

Displacements of populations: as already indicated, people of concern in IDPs are frequent victims of secondary displacement, which further compounds vulnerabilities and extends suffering of populations. People have stayed very long in displacement in their 10 year crisis with no end in sight. More than 88% of assessed IDPs were displaced since 2014 and 2015; and 11.9% are new IDPs displaced in 2016– 2018. This shows not only the protracted nature of the crisis, but also the sheer lack of prospects for durable solutions. In addition, according to July statistics, only 19.8% of assessed IDPs have been displaced 1 time. The remaining 80.2% (1,618,847 IDPs) have been displaced 2 times. Furthermore, 21.22% (428,410 IDPs) of assessed IDPs have been displaced 3 times. 

Underserved communities will be randomly selected from Bwari LGA, Kuje LGA, Gwagwaglada LGA respectively. Based on the activities that will be implemented in the framework of this action, as per below details, MO Reusable Pad Project through SADDI seeks to contribute to the reduction of period poverty, intensive education on holistic development, menstrual health issues, women/girl child autonomy and empowerment in targeted areas. This will be done by way of activities within the scope of three outputs as follows 

Performance Indicator Target 

#of partner, government and staff trained on Menstruation, period tracking, menstrual cleanliness, de-stigmatizing dialogues about wellbeing and tackling period poverty through training and distribution of reusable pads. 60 

#of persons of concern (target) trained on menstrual health, period poverty, person hygiene sex education and body autonomy and response 2000 

# of TOT targeting POC leaders organized 3 

# of Stakeholders Advisory Group created 3 

# of meeting of Advisory Groups 9 

MO Reusable Pad Project will ensure provision of quality service delivery by conducting rigorous trainings and workshops for program staff and stakeholders who will be involved in supporting program implementation through referral, advocacy and / or direct service provision. Post training follow-up will be conducted two months after each training to monitor knowledge retention. In addition, MO Reusable Pad Project team will assist the participants to develop action plans to participate in menstrual health and mentorship awareness raising sessions and implement these action plans in their communities. 

Activity 1: Training for selected target ground on menstrual health and education Peer Education Strategies 

Identified members of the group will be trained in a TOT (Peer Education Training) which is geared towards equipping identified leaders on first conflict sensitivity, DO No Harm, Myth, Period Taboos, introduction to psychosocial support, strategies on how to prevent period poverty, teenage pregnancy cases, sex education, body autonomy awareness and group dynamics. These training will further strengthen the capacity of these leaders to effectively hand their potential groups and further reduce the case of teenage pregnancy, menstrual health challenges, and self awareness to the minimum. These trained leaders will in turn go back to their community to form peer groups that they will step down the training to as they also will lead the affairs of the group. Five trainings will be conducted as TOT; i) Transformative leadership skills to the different categories identified, Studies showed that community change start with building up girls in holistic way so they can take leadership. This can be achieved by adding extra activities to groups formed to step down the training acquired during the TOT. By so doing champions of peers and adults will be formed that is inspired to mentor and support girls on the path to empowerment. ii) Increasing knowledge of women’s health issues, this will further reduce the risk and vulnerability among girls. iii) Mentors as vignette tool for girls. iv) Increase in adolescent life skills relating sexual and reproductive health right, menstrual health, hygiene management and economic empowerment. 

Activity 2: Support meeting for advisory groups– To support the peer groups on the project implementation 

Under this activity MO Reusable Pad Project will create stakeholder’s group constituting religious leaders, IDP camp / underserved communities leaders, youth group’s leaders, other organizations and influential persons to ensure full involvement of communities in the protection of women and girls. The main task of the advisory group is to inform project implementation the dynamics of the context and participatory approach to mitigate them. The group will be convened by MO Reusable Pad project and chaired by community project management chairman. Furthermore, this platform will create awareness on the involvement of boys and men in preventing period stigmatization, teenage pregnancy through focal group discussions. MO Reusable Pad Project and community members will in a focus group discussion facilitate a participatory community mapping to understand the context and the influential members of the community across the various peer groups, the relationship between these leaders which will be geared toward addressing both the root caused and the contributing factors. Findings from the community mapping will inform program implementation across groups on gender, power, and human right and period poverty. The meetings will hold with the leaders once in two (2) months to support peer activities and take more concrete actions on education and period poverty and perpetrated incidences. The sessions will be used to challenge the opinion leaders to identify positive norms and practices that uphold the rights of women and girls. They will be encouraged to engage in advocacy for rights of women in their community through public forums and community dialogue. 

Activity 3: Training of the members and volunteers on education and reproductive health prevention and response 

The project team will select male and female community volunteers whose role will be to conduct community awareness on education and period poverty to all sections of the target communities. Prior to commencing community awareness, the selected community volunteers will be trained on education and period poverty basic concepts, types of period poverty, body autonomy, sex education, impact of teenage pregnancy, services available to survivors and reproductive health education guiding principles and the survivor-centered approach. 

Activity 4: Training of teachers, government, partners and security actors (refresher training) on sexual and reproductive health education prevention 

MO Reusable Pad Project will coordinate with the Security actors, teachers, government representatives and partners to identify and conduct training for personnel who are in direct contact with the IDPs / underserved communities on sexual, menstrual, reproductive health and education. The training will comprise of holistic development education on focus issues their impacts, referral mechanisms, its consequences and the role of security personnel and actors in prevention. The security personnel will be encouraged to refer cases of sexual, menstrual and reproductive health education to service providers while exercising confidentiality and the safety. The frequency of referrals made by security personnel will be monitored monthly. In addition, MO Reusable Pad Project protection team will hold ad hoc meetings, Teachers will be particularly targeted to mainstream prevention within IDP camps / underserved communities as patron with SADDI (if applicable) on implementation of peer strategies in formal areas. 

# of awareness raising campaign on sex education and response 100 

# of men’s group working on sex education prevention and response 3 

# of groups of boys and girls established 3 

# of monthly meeting by peers 27 

# of community where protection assessment is conducted (Yes/No) 18 

Activity 5: Development of Informative Materials for Learning 

MO Reusable Pad Project will develop tools for learning in formats of brochures, factsheets pamphlets and fliers to suit the context where these activities will be implemented. Training materials, IEC materials like banners, flyers, gift items to be used during competitions, debates and other key activities. These documents will be made in both English and local languages and made available to beneficiaries, during competitions, debates and other key activities. These documents will be made in both English and local languages and made available to beneficiaries 

REPORT ON

PROJECT EDUCATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

AT KILANKWA COMMUNITY IN KWALI AREA COUNCIL, FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA

ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH, 2024

BY

CENTRE FOR TEENS HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

SUPPORTED BY

NEXTWORLDNOW COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

INTRODUCTION

Similar to Abaji Area Council, the distance to Kwali Area Council is considerable, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from the city center. On October 26, 2024, the team arrived at Kilankwa Community in Kwali Area Council at around 10:30 AM sharp. Then proceeded to the Etsu-Kilankwa II, the palace of the community chief, to engage with local leaders and discuss the program's benefits for the community.

ENGAGEMENT WITH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

The outreach commenced with a visit to the Etsu-Kilankwa II Palace to meet the King. Although the King was not available at the time, his spokesperson Mr. Ibrahim Demwa Sheshinbwa and other council members welcomed us warmly to the community. He shared that the girls in Kilankwa are excited about this project and noted that we are the first nonprofit organization to visit their community this year.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to NextWorldNow for their commitment and efforts in empowering young women in the community. This meeting was vital in securing community support and approval for the project.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

This project was targeted at reaching 100 teenage girls and young women in Kilankwa Community, Kwali Area Councils in FCT, Abuja. With specific objective to educate young women and teenage girls on the knowledge and importance of menstrual health and personal hygiene management, body autonomy, sex education, effect of teenage pregnancy and the training of making reusable pad.

Also, the participants received free start-pack of MO Reusable pads and dignity kits (containing bathing soap, washing soap, tooth brush and underwear).

Rationale

Why this project become imperative is because from our earlier research, this community is among the underserved within the FCT, with high illiteracy level of 98.75% and attendant consequence in the future. Therefore, implementation of this project will reduce the risk of period poverty among young women and teenagers in the community to achieve sustainable menstrual product, ensure effective education on reproductive health, body autonomy of women and girls is improved through holistic development and empowerment.

The project was made possible with support from NextWorldNow Community Investment, and was conducted in partnership with local authorities.

Trainings

We trained them on various subjects that bother on body autonomy, menstrual health, personal hygiene, self-esteem, period tracking, importance and economic value of reusable pad etc. Throughout the training, the girls asked numerous questions, particularly during the sessions on menstrual health, body autonomy, and effect of teenage pregnancy. Our facilitators provided detailed, real-life explanations to ensure better understanding. The sessions significantly improved their perceptions and knowledge, equipping them with the skills to manage their periods in a healthy and dignified way, while also reducing period poverty and the stigma around menstruation within their community.

More time was allotted on the practical training on how to make the reusable pad. In this session, each group assignment was assessed and corrections were made. All participants was involved in making reusable pad and extra materials was given to them to learn at home and teach a friend in school. Highlights of the training content is as follows:

1.                 Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Girls were educated on the menstrual cycle, period tracking, personal hygiene practices during menstruation, and the importance of managing their periods in a healthy and dignified manner.

2.                 Body Autonomy and Self-Esteem: The importance of body autonomy, self-respect, and maintaining healthy boundaries were emphasized. Facilitators shared real-life experiences to connect with the participants and drive home these critical messages.

3.                 Effect of Teenage Pregnancy: The sessions highlighted the challenges and risks associated with teenage pregnancy and the importance of making informed decisions regarding their bodies. The causes of teenage pregnancy were discussed, psychological, social and health risk was assessed and highlighted.

4.                 Eco-Friendly Reusable Pads: The participants were introduced to MO reusable menstrual pads, and training was provided on how to make, use, and maintain these pads. Most of the participants were hearing about reusable pads for the first time.

Teaching materials were distributed to each participant with a plan to revisit the community for further reviews and evaluation.

The project also included hands-on training to equip the girls with the skills to make their own reusable pads.

At the end of the trainings, participants and beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for these laudable initiatives sponsored by NextWorldNow Community Investment.

Provision of Menstrual Products

To address the issue of limited access to sanitary products, MO reusable pads was distributed to the girls. This distribution was especially impactful, as most of the participants identified to use pieces of clothing and tissue paper during their periods due to the high cost of disposable sanitary products. A dignity kit containing essential hygiene items were also provided to each participant.

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

The Project Education and Reproductive Health is designed to be an ongoing effort, ensuring continuous impact in the lives of the teen girls in Kilankwa Community. Each participant also received two starter packs of MO reusable pads, along with dignity kits (containing underwear, toothbrush, bathing and washing soaps) to support their personal hygiene needs.

To ensure the long-term success of the project, we plan to revisit the community in two months that’s in December 2024 to monitor and evaluate its impact. This follow-up will assess the girls' experiences with using the reusable pads, their understanding of menstrual health, and their ability to implement the knowledge gained. Feedback from this evaluation will inform future interventions and help refine our approach to empowering young women in the community.

KEY OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSION

Kilankwa Community is a remote and isolated settlement within Kwali Area Council, revealing significant similarities to Abaji.

§  During our visit, we noticed that while many teenage girls and young women had a greater awareness of reproductive health, they still faced critical challenges. Most were using unsafe products during their menstrual cycles. Additionally, many were enrolled in local schools, yet the community's exposure to topics such as sexual and reproductive health, body autonomy, and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships was alarmingly low.

§  We also observed that a considerable number of girls resorted to using unsafe materials, such as pieces of cloth and cotton wool, during menstruation, which poses significant health risks.

§  Approximately 79.9% of the girls lacked access to underwear due to the high costs associated with purchasing them. Furthermore, 70.8% were unable to identify their menstrual cycles or grasp the concept and importance of body autonomy. The majority of the girls had never encountered reusable pads prior to our visit.

§  One of the primary challenges identified was the participants' lack of awareness regarding their own bodies.

This project had a profound impact on the participants, empowering them with crucial knowledge about their bodies and access to safe menstrual products. We hope that other organizations working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) will take inspiration from this project. It is clear that the girls in this community lack basic education about their health and rights as young women due to societal standards, a lack of knowledge about body autonomy, and limited access to safe menstrual health practices.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to NextWorldNow Community Investments for their generous support through the 2024 Grants, which have made this project possible. Their unwavering commitment has allowed us to implement this vital intervention at the grassroots level, significantly impacting the health and dignity of the girls in Kilankwa Community.

SOME CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

The challenges encountered during the implementation of our activities included:

a) Poor Internet Service: This significantly hindered our ability to effectively share resources in a timely manner at the venue.

b) Long Travel Distance: The journey to Kwali Area Council was lengthy, which posed logistical challenges for our team.

Project Title: EDUCATIONAND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INITIAL REPORT FOR PROJECT TAKE-OFF 

Introduction: This report is to highlight the commencement of the project, the purchases and expenditure made so far on the first tranche of the fund disbursed. 

On Thursday, 26th September 2024, a total of 3,500 USD was withdrawn from the Centre for Teens Health and Development's dollar account for the purchase of essential materials needed for the commencement of the project. This withdrawal was intended to cover expenses related to the procurement of teaching guideline materials, banners, T-shirts, and caps, as well as dignity kits, reusable pad materials, and other general operating costs. The prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction was 1 USDto N1,600. 

The funds were strategically allocated to cover the following critical items as required for the project: 

1. Teaching Materials and Branding: 

The project required the creation of printed teaching guidelines to be used during training sessions, this is to ensure that the specific objectives are met; that is to educate women and young girls on the knowledge and importance of body autonomy, sex education, effect of teenage pregnancy, mental health and menstrual health. Along with banners, T-shirts, and caps to enhance visibility and build a cohesive identity for the project. These materials play a key role in ensuring effective communication and project branding throughout the duration of the project 

2. Dignity Kits: The dignity kits were designed to support participants, especially girls and young women, in maintaining personal hygiene. These kits included essential items such as underwear, toothbrushes, bathing soap, and washing soap, ensuring that beneficiaries are well-equipped to manage their menstrual hygiene and overall health. These items were carefully selected to meet the immediate needs of the target beneficiaries and ensure the sustainability of their hygiene practices. 

3. Reusable Pad Materials: The purchase of reusable pad materials is a crucial component of this project, aligned with the project specific objectives to eradicate period poverty, to empower women and girls with the right information, to retain their dignity, promote menstrual hygiene and reduce usage of unhealthy materials like rugs, leafs and nylon during their menstruation. This reusable pad materials will be used to make eco-friendly reusable pad for all participants and beneficiaries. The materials procured will be used during training sessions to teach participants how to make reusable pads, use, and maintain reusable pad which will empower them to manage their menstrual health in a sustainable manner. 

4. General Operating Costs: Aportion of the funds was also allocated to cover general operating costs related to the implementation of the project, including logistics, participant refreshment, administrative support, and program staff stipends. This ensures the smooth execution of the project, from material procurement to on-ground activities. 

The table below outlines the items purchased for project Educationand Reproductive Health 

Items Quantity Cost(NGN) 

• Teachingmaterials 2000copies 645,000 

• Banner 2 26,000 

• TshirtandFacecap 15/5 55,000 

• Consentform&Att endancesheets 200copies 10,000 

• Underwear 1200dozen 740,000 

• Toothbrush 10cartons 190,000 

• Bathingsoap 10cartons 210,000 

• Washingsoap 20cartons 250,000 

• Cottonmaterial 6rolls 600,000 

• Waterproofmaterial 2rolls 150,000 

• Akara 80yards 120,000 

• Scissors 2packs 21,000 

• Thread 10packs 9,500 

• TransparentNylon 40packs 200,000 

• Soft thick material Lumpsum 240,000 

• Pin Box 2 boxes 3,600 

• Cardboard paper 2 packs 2,400 

• Wooden ruler 1 dozen 1,000 

• Buttons 10 boxes 70,000 

• Total 3,543,500 

Conclusion  The successful purchase of these materials marks the critical first step in the implementation of the project Education and Reproductive Health. These resources will enable the Centre for Teens Health and Development to move forward with its activities, directly benefiting underserved and displaced communities. The project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the participants, particularly in terms of personal development, education, and health. Also, to ensure risk of period poverty is reduced in selected underserved communities and Internally Displaced communities in 6 Area councils in FCT, quality sustainable menstrual product is achieved, effective education on reproductive health and body autonomy of women and girls is improved through holistic development and empowerment.