CHAMPION DAY SPARKS HOPE AND CELEBRATION FOR GIRLS IN NGURUKA

The vibrant community of Nguruka came alive as girls, parents, community leaders, government representatives, and civil society actors gathered to mark Champion Day under the Girl-H Project, implemented by Umoja wa wawezeshaji KIOO. The event drew over 400 attendees who came together to celebrate courage, creativity and commitment among girls and young women striving to overcome barriers to education, safety and economic empowerment. Champion Day served as a platform to recognize outstanding girls, mentors and community champions while amplifying the voices of girls on matters affecting their lives, such as gender-based violence, early marriage and limited access to vocational skills and education.  

The Guest of Honour, Nguruka Ward Executive Officer, opened the day by commending Umoja wa wawezeshaji KIOO for its efforts in bringing visibility to the challenges facing girls and emphasized the importance of investing in girls as future leaders and contributors to community development. Girls under the Girl-H Project gave emotional and inspiring testimonies, sharing their journeys of transformation from exclusion to empowerment after receiving vocational training in tailoring, catering, and life skills. During the recognition session, outstanding girls, mentors, and community champions were awarded certificates and symbolic gifts in acknowledgment of their leadership and contributions to promoting girls’ rights in Nguruka. 

The audience was deeply moved by a series of powerful performances—poems, traditional dances, and skits—that boldly addressed harmful cultural practices and championed girls’ education and protection. Girls also displayed a variety of handmade items including dresses, snacks, reusable sanitary pads, and crafts, demonstrating the skills gained through the Girls Fast Food Academy and KIOO’s vocational training programs. A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, involving teachers, parents, faith leaders, and government officials, which centered on how communities can strengthen protective systems and improve access to education for girls. The event concluded with a united and symbolic act: a community pledge.

 Stakeholders came together to sign a banner committing to uphold the rights, safety, and empowerment of girls in Nguruka and beyond. Reflecting on the day, the Ward Executive Officer stated, Champion Day reminded us that change begins at home. We must protect our daughters and invest in their future. More than a celebration, Champion Day served as a powerful call to action. It boosted visibility and recognition of girls as capable leaders, strengthened stakeholder collaboration to address the challenges girls face, and renewed community commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for them to thrive. KIOO and its partners continue to call upon all stakeholders—government, civil society, parents, and development partners—to scale up investments in girl-centered interventions and ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, is given the opportunity to dream, grow and lead.

Participants demostration their works

Mentee from Safe Spaces in Nguruka