United Against Child Marriage Country Progress Report (February 2015) Introduction Unite Against Child Marriage (UACM) is a project funded by the Dutch Government through minister of Foreign Affairs. The project targets primary school learners with an aim of reducing child marriages among these youth so that they make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive rights and their future. The project is being implemented in Mangochi, Mzimba, Dedza districts in Malawi. Partners implementing this project include EEDF, YONECO, Amref, CHRR, Livingstinia Synod Health Department, FCR, FAWEMA, CEGI, FPAM and YECE. The project has been well received by the schools, PTAs, SMCs, Mother groups and community leaders like chiefs because they feel it will tackle one of the serious problems in their communities. Community stakeholders also acknowledged child marriage as a big issue where not much is being done and they perceived the project as an opportunity to contribute to change the situation. Again the willingness of schools (as the main stake holder) to contribute to the project activities was also a positive contribution to the achievement of results. Specifically the school authorities are happy with the project considering that learners will acquire knowledge and skills on sexual and reproductive health (peer educators) which shall help in reducing the drop out from schools and improve retention of girls in school Traditional leaders turned up in large numbers for the trainings; this shows commitment to ending the problem of child marriages. The local leaders also pledged to stop accepting marriage ceremonies where the female is suspected to be younger than 18. Girls showed a lot of enthusiasm and this is an essential and major component when carrying out activities. Again there is active support of the project from the district councils. Additionally, community reflection on child marriage stimulated motivation and anger among community members about the situation, and inspired to do something about the issue. The project also supported revitalisation and formation of new youth clubs in the targeted area coordinated by Amref, and many youths are excited about the project such that each and every club in most villages surrounding health facilities wanted to be included. Hence, instead of forming/revitalising 20 youth clubs as pre Amref target, 35 youth clubs were formed using the same resources. These youth clubs have been linked to health centres within their localities for continued support on SRHR and hence enhancing sustainability. The youth club members are eager to attract other members to join them as long as the needed support is provided which shall lead into more youths being reached with the SRHR key messages. During the community sensitization meetings members were able to share their experiences of child marriages within the community. Livingstonia Synod Health Department managed to interact with Agness Yangairo from Jamu village who was married at 16yrs in 2008. She was abused by her husband, the husband married a second wife and she then returned back to her parents. Ellena Mbeya from Chibula village got married at 18 years. She was married for 5 years then the husband married a second wife and stopped taking care of her. So she decided to go back home and start school again. 1
The women giving experiences on child marriages pledged to be active in fighting for the practice as they highlighted that "We will work hard with other members to ensure that our girls do not go through the pain we went through. Active participation of local councillors in the project activities and this has strengthen awareness and active participation of district council on child protection issues. Programmes against child marriages were highly recognized both at National and community level. This resulted to engagement of the organization in critical advocacy with members of parliament, councillors at all levels. And YONECO also took a leading role in the National launch of end child marriages campaign. The Ministry of Gender rely on YONECO's leadership against child marriages and coordination of the national campaign against child marriages The involvement of traditional, religious, civil leaders and other stakeholders with support from FPAM, has led to the formation of a united front against child marriages as they all now share the concern. They are informing the people on the dangers of child marriages and some have by-laws on the age of marriage. The approach which CEGI is using to help girls make informed decision CEGI has managed to withdraw 2 girls from child marriages. These girls are now back to school at Chizimya and Mabiri. Three more girls have also been supported by the mother groups from Chizimya and Etchiyeni schools to withdraw from early marriages. Through interaction with parents and guardian of the girls they said that it was pressure from their relatives and other friends to get married because of their cultural believes. . Also refer to the following quotes by EEDF from the beneficiaries concerning the project: A Standard 6 13 year old Paul Phiri from Mbawa Primary school, Mzimba says ‘’club ya TUSEME imeneyi itithandiza kuti anyamata ndi atsikana tizikhala ngati munthu ndi nchimwene wake tikamakambirana nkhani zosiyana siyana ku club. Izi zipangitsa kuti zilakolako zomwe achinyamata timakhalanazo zofuna kugonana komanso kupereka mimba tikanali achichipere zichepe’’ (the TUSEME club will help build the brother sister relationship among the youth hence avoiding pre-marital sex and early pregnancies) According to 12 year old Lexina Thewu, a std 7 student from Mbawa Primary School, Mzimba, the TUSEME Club will assist able to continue with her education. In her own words she emphasized that ’’ndikufuna ndipitirize maphunziro kuti ndizakhale ndi tsogolo labwino chifukwa club ya TUSEME indithandiza kuti ndikhale ndi nthawi yokambirana nkhani zosiyanasiyana ndi anzanga, sindikufuna kutenga mimba”(I want to continue with my education and have a bright future, I will spend time with my friends discussing different issues at the club, I don’t want to get pregnant). ‘’The Unite Against Child Marriage project is a very encouraging initiative among learners as it will boost the youths’ future plans and, as a school, we expect a positive gradual change in learners attitude towards early marriages ‘comments Martin AW Luhana, Head teacher, Etchiyeni Primary school, Mzimba . ‘’Many boys and girls will not drop out from school as it has been because the TUSEME club will help the learners to become more independent in making right decisions and will 2
solve own problems without involving parents much’’ Chikomeni Thole, Group Village Headman Bola, Mavungwe Primary School One of the Mother group members, highlighted that “wana wasungwana na banyamata Wamanyenge pawekha kuti ichi ntchiheni nakusankha icho tchiwemi ndipo wazamtengwa na kutola uku sukulu wamalizga kweninso uku bafika msinkhu wakutolera na kutengwera” (boys and girls will be able to differentiate the bad from good behaviour and this will help them to get married at the right time) Also refer to : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdIdbUAyhGU https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.826827970706728.1073742004.154148147974717 &type=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Zr7KnIETU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky7YxNYFWIM Collaboration between partners There is strong collaboration among the implementing partners (EEDF, YONECO, Amref, CHRR, Livingstinia Synod Health Department, FCR, FAWEMA, CEGI, FPAM and YECE.). This has been seen during planning, implementation and supervision of various project activities. EEDF coordinated three implementing partners meetings for all partners working in a district so there was one joint meeting for YECE and FPAM for Dedza district, then EEDF, YONECO, FAWEMA, Amref and CHRR for Mangochi district and thirdly EEDF, Livingstonia Synod Health Department, FCR, FAWEMA and CEGI for Mzimba South. All partners jointly agreed where in the district each partner will work and where partners would collaborate together. For example, in TA Katuli EEDF is working with in school youths in Kachere, Mdinde, Mchola and Luwalika primary schools YONECO is working with out of school youths in the communities around the same schools. In Dedza FPAM is invited by YECE in the catchment areas where YECE is operating to support and conduct SRHR training together because of the expertise that FPAM brings and so too when YECE organized stakeholder meeting FPAM was also invited and made a presentation . Additional joint activities include development of IEC materials, awareness meetings and conferences/workshops. In Mzimba South, FCR, FAWEMA and EEDF share the same plans for construction of girls change rooms to be constructed in 18 of the 20 targeted schools. In Dedza and Mangochi partners introduced UACM project to District Executive Committee (DEC) together as implementing partners. EEDF, FPAM, YECE and CHRR visited ministries of Gender, MEoST, MoH and ministry of Youth and Sports to introduce UACM project to these relevant ministries seeking their support as partners implement the project. The concern expressed by all the ministries was that one year is too short to make a significant impact on reducing child marriages in the districts that we are operating. Results overall Challenges encountered 1. Delayed transfer of funds in November which led to delays in conducting preparatory activities which were necessary before starting the project. These include briefing District Councils, relevant government headquarters and synchronizing the mode of operation with other members of the consortium. In general, the key challenges in carrying out activities were mostly programmatic and administrative. For example community unforeseen issues such as funerals meant that activities could not be
3
conducted as planned; it was also challenging to conduct some activities as so many people we were willing to participate than planned 2.
Cultural barriers also served as a challenge to implementation as not all community members including community leaders were open to issues such as the provision of SRH services like provision of contraceptives to the youth as some felt young people should not be exposed to contraceptives because they are not married and this may encourage them to have sex. But with time and the sensitizations that will be taking place the community will change their mind set on issues of family planning among the youths
3. Gender issues- most men during the discussion felt the increased cases of child marriages are due to women who are not counselling their daughters. The blame game needs to be dealt with because it will deter most men from taking responsibility in the fight against child marriage. 4. The challenge for peer education training for in school learners since their training need to be conducted during the school holidays so that will cause delay in our implementation plan since the school holiday is only during Easter. 5. Transportation problems due to poor roads during rainy seasons 6. Lack of more IEC materials for distribution 7. Contradicting legal framework on issues of child marriage (marriage age [15] and defilement age 16). However, the bill to change the marriage age to 18 has passed and the Law will be put in place once the president of Malawi signs.(even though there are still several issues in the bill that needs attention and still more time for discussion).. The right step has been taken. 8.
Inadequate collaboration between local leaders, courts and the police when dealing with issues of child marriage and other child abuse cases
9.
Lack of comprehensive data compilation among community health centres and the district hospital.

Progress so far Due to delayed start of the implementation of the project, we are behind the schedule. There is need to add 3 to 4 months to successfully complete the planned activities of the project. Again Amref recruited the Project Assistant late due to communication problems .However, project has received overwhelming support from district and community level partners and there is ownership of the project and its interventions and given much more time all the set targets will be achieved. Expectations are that all the activities planned will be completed provided there are no more challenges during the implementation process. In addition, in some of the activities more people are expected to be reached beyond the expected targets because of the strategies to be used such as Theatre for Development, ICT facilities (National Toll Free Child Helpline, SMS system), social media and YONECO FM National Radio Station. YONECO will also take advantage of the project activities to influence the passing of the revised Marriage Bill that propose 18 as 4
minimum marriage age. This will be through YONECO's chairing of National campaign on Ending Child Marriages and chairing of Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA).
Result 1.1.1.a Number of trained educators on SRHR issues 200 peer educator (149 F,51M) including teachers have been trained in SRHR issues. These trainings include: aawareness on the impact of the harmful traditional practices to girls SRHR, Sexual and Reproductive Health- Peer Educators training, training on SRHR educators for young people, training of Young Educators in Parenting biased towards Child Marriage and Local Leaders Orientation to Dangers of Child Marriages The teacher sensitization awareness meetings were conducted in 5 schools namely Bembeke CDSS, Msesa, Ngonoonda, Chinkombelo and Nadzikhale where YECE is implementing this project. Each school was represented by 5 teachers including head teachers bringing the number of teachers in attendance to a total of 30; in addition to this 90 peer educators attended the workshop. The project was presented to the teachers in attendance outlining the goals and objectives, expected outcomes, key strategies, preparatory activities, activities under each strategy as well as areas of implementation and key SRHR thematic areas to be addressed and the contribution of teachers in the schools. Following this there was a discussion on issues of SRHR and how best they are and can be incorporated in the learning system. CEGI facilitated a 3 day training on SRHR educators for young people. Despite facilitators being experts in this field the topics were too long to deliver for the 3 days as planned. Therefore the proposed number of days for the training should be 5 so that even participants should get used to the sessions. The last 10 participants will be trained in the next quarter. Amref Health Africa conducted a Sexual and Reproductive Health Peer Educators Training whereby 22 youths from 10 schools participated. The training focussed on building the capacity of participants on dangers of early pregnancies; motivating girls and boys to access youth friendly health services; encouraging girls to abstain from premarital sex, remain in school and be role models in their society; and promote contraceptive use among adolescents. These participants are expected to educate others in their respective communities and schools. The participants’ age ranged from 10 to 18 years. During this workshop the age range was not disaggregated into 10-14 and 15-19 years old as the message imparted was the same since the challenges faced by both groups are similar in nature. Family Planning association of Malawi (FPAM) conducted a Leadership training targeting Leaders of various Youth Clubs in its impact of five Traditional Authorities in Dedza District. The training took place from 16 to 18 January 2014 at Mountain View Lodge in Dedza. The training brought together 38 young leaders from 38 youth clubs. The training aimed at equipping the young leaders with leadership skills for effective management of youth clubs in their communities and to take a leading role in advocacy activities related to the implementation of the UACM project The idea to train young people in Leadership came about as it was realized that most youth clubs in our impact areas do not prosper due to lack of skilled leadership. This negatively affects the work of FPAM whose target group are the youth. Note that CHRR will train educators in the next quarter 5
Participants Listening Attentively during the Training
Participants figuring out an energizer
Result 1.1.1.b Number of young people, women and men participating in SRHR education sessions 3324 young people (674g, 1086b) participated in SRHR education sessions. YECE organised 3 activities from here: Girls Discussion Forum at Chinkombelo CDSS in Dedza where 180 girls from the Kamenyagwaza area attended.
Youth Open Day to raise awareness on by-laws against child marriages as well as how traditional practices affect girls’ access to SRHR. This was an informative meeting attended by 159 girls, 83 Women, 64 men, 46 GVH, 13 religious leaders, 8 NGO representatives, and 12 members of the Area Executive Committee.
Interface meetings between the youth and service providers with the objective of creating a dialogue between youths and health service providers whereby the youths raised issues that affect them where access to SRH services is concerned. These were attended by 220 girls, 140 boys, and 80 service providers.
FPAM managed to have 25 youth clubs participate in SRHR education sessions. On average, there are about 20 members in each club making a total 500 members from all clubs. The ratio of membership is about 40% girls and 60% boys. Average age of members is 19. YONECO used its existing drop in centres at community level to reach out to many young people in Mangochi district. The centres are Makawa in T/A Mponda, Katuli in T/A Katuli, Chimwala in T/A Chimwala, Town drop in centre at the centre of the town and YONECO Children drop in centre. Apart from using the centres in providing SRHR education, YONECO also organised a number of trainings, meetings and conference. The trained members of youth clubs also contributed in reaching out to many young people through SRHR sessions at club level.
6
Result 1.1.1.c Number of young people who take leadership in SRHR issues in their community 753 young people(499g , 254b) are now leading in SRHR issues in their community. Some of activities the young leaders are doing include organising and facilitation of parenting structures, community awareness and follow up sessions on human rights , community discussions on SRHR, Youth leadership sessions in clubs, youth open days. These activities are organized by peer educators, Parenting Facilitators, Community Based Education(CBE) and the youths performs Comedies, plays, songs, poems as well as traditional dances all aimed with the objective of eliminating cases of early and forced marriages, reducing cases of early pregnancies; and raising awareness of the bylaws against early marriages. They also provide information and services on SRHR to fellow young people and the community at large. Young leaders are viewed in their communities as influencing for positive change. The young leaders are also viewed with respect and support and this is evident in the number of people that turn up for the activities that they organize. Community members also often express their delight at seeing young leaders being involved, influencing decisions at the local level and in so doing, improving the lives of others. However, there is sometimes resistance to their activities from some religious and traditional leaders who view discussions and distribution of sexual and reproductive health services and information as negatively affecting the youth. Despite this the communities are continuously sensitized on these issues as part of changing their altitude towards SRHR
Result 1.1.1.d Number of (youth) clubs involved in prevention of child marriage Currently, there are 73 clubs involved in prevention of child marriages. For example girls clubs include Tisangalale, Umodzi, Tigonjetse, Mbawa and future girls. Mixed youth clubs include Matayo, Tabuka, Tiyanjane, Chizimya, Mvunguti. All these clubs are in school and so far no boys club has been registered. These clubs usually meet once a week
Result 2.1.1.b Number of activities with parents, School Management Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations to promote school participation of children (especially girls) 123 activities have been done with parents, SMC, PTA to promote school participation of children. Some of these activities include project briefing meetings; awareness against child marriages, drop in centre meetings; mapping and review of anti-early marriage areas youth open days, life skills based education impact study, national girls’ conference. In these activities 21649 participants were present. During sensitization at Namkango Mwanyama, Lumwira and Mvumba villages role models were selected from the community to talk to the girls on the importance of education and they also gave their life stories and how some of them have managed to reach the level that they are. The awareness activities were also done through theatre for development and use of public address system. The teacher sensitization meetings were conducted in 5 schools with the purpose of orienting teachers in the implementation areas on the project and its objectives in order to ensure that teachers are promoting the same issues that the project is promoting. 7
Youth sensitization meetings were also conducted to raise awareness among the youths of the importance of education and the effects of early marriages. Youth open day to raise awareness of by-laws against child marriages was also held and poems, plays, songs and other activities that showed the importance of education were performed. Several community dialogue sessions were conducted where participants discussed what can be done to address the problem of child marriages and it was brought up in all occasions the importance of educating the youth, especially girls. A Life skills education session was also conducted whereby the girls were taught means of 'effective communication' and 'goal setting'. The participants for Dedza activities were both inschool and out of school girls. Mapping and review of the Ant early marriages catchment area was also done in the following villages in Mzimba: Jamu Kumwenda, Alifeyo Jere, Robert Mwanda, Kasiya Ngóma, Chikomeni, Thoza, Malizweni, and Chaphonya. Discussions were made on the project goal and objectives. Apart from these awareness meetings, the National Girls Conference meeting was used to raise awareness against child marriages among adolescent girls in Malawi at national level.
Result 2.2.1.a Number of teachers trained in gender-sensitive didactics The actual number of schools where teachers were trained in this area is 20. From this 102 teachers (32F, 70M) were trained in gender pedagogy issues from Mangochi and Mzimba schools under EEDF and FAWEMA. 3 Primary Education Advisors (PEA) (1F, 2M) were also part of the training in order to gain their support and apply this to other zones where EEDF and FAWEMA are not targeting. This will ensure sustainability of the UACM activities. The trainings were for 2 days. In Mzimba the training took place at Loudon School of the Deaf Hall and Pamkambiri Lodge in Mangochi. The material used for the training was a ‘’Teachers Handbook on Gender Responsive Pedagogy” developed by FAWEMA, Kenya. Some of the topics covered during the training include:
Understanding Gender Background to a Gender Responsive School Gender Responsive Pedagogy Gender Responsive Lesson Planning Gender Responsive Teaching and Learning Materials Gender Responsive Language Use in Classrooms Gender Responsive Classroom Set Ups Gender Responsive Classroom Interaction Gender Responsive Management of Sexual Maturation Addressing Sexual Harassment Supportive Gender Responsive School Management Systems 8

Monitoring and Evaluation
Note that other partners will train the teachers in the next quarter
Result 3.1.1.a Number of trainers/peers trained to provide awareness-raising activities on (the risks of) child marriage So far 134(66F, 68M) trainers and peers have been trained on this. Out of this 114 (56F, 58M) are community workers and 20 (10F, 10M) are youth volunteers/peers. The trainings include: training of mother groups on child rights, risk of child marriage and importance of girl education, training of man to man forums on child rights, risk of child marriage and importance of girl education, Leaders of girls and boys groups, and Community Based Parenting Facilitators training CHRR conducted the training for mother groups representatives from 6 schools that are in the target areas for the project. The target group was selected because of the advisory role that they play in the schools with regards to helping in promotion of creating an enabling environment for the girls that are in schools. The training was on child rights, the risks of early child marriages and the importance of girl education. Training for man to man drew men from different backgrounds such as business men, politicians (councilors), religious leaders as well as teachers. During the training the participants were asked to lead by example in their communities. Thus the training with the man to man forum focused on child rights, risks of early child marriage and the importance of girl education. All the men acknowledged the fact that the problem of child marriages is real and need conceited efforts from all stakeholders. In terms of peer educators for the clubs it is observed that there is need to train more members since the number of members in the club is high. Community based parenting facilitators training was conducted with an overall objective of contributing to development of the Parenting Programme as a tool for Child protection, Youth Sexual and Reproductive health and Prevention of Child Marriages in Malawi. The training used several materials and sources but the main training material was the Parenting Manual that was developed by YONECO. Furthermore, other sources of information for the training included; the Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, African Charter on the Rights of the Child as well as Child Care, Protection and Justice and Act (2010). Note the FPAM, Amref to conduct this activity in the next quarter
Result 3.1.1.b Number of members from the local community reached (also via clubs/ associations) with awareness-raising activities on (the risks of) child marriages (direct) Please refer to output indicator 2.1.1.a as the two indicators have been combined.
9
Result 3.1.1.c Number of members of the local community (incl. local leaders) reached with awareness-raising activities on (the risks of) child marriage via (new) media, campaigns (indirect) 65,657 people have been reached through various media including Facebook, whatsup, YONECO YouTube, YONECO website, radio programmes, and internet. The topics under discussion include dangers of child marriages, documentaries and comedies against child marriages, SRHR and child marriage inconsistency in child protection laws in Malawi, updates on activities against child marriages Radio jingles (to be coordinated by CHRR) are under way and will start airing at the end of next quarter. Since radio will be used, more people will be easily targeted. UFBR radio program will also be used and coordinated by CHRR. Note that not much has been done by partners (except for YONECO) under this indicator but this will greatly be emphasized in the next quarter since in this quarter it has been difficult considering the delays in implementing the activities
Result 5.1.1.a Number of partners that has formulated an Action Plan for lobby and policy-influencing against child marriage In general 4 partners including YECE, FPAM, CHRR and YONECO have developed an action plan. Out of this only YONECO has an individual action plan. YECE identified common activities in the UACM program with FPAM and developed an action plan that will see the two organisations implementing some activities jointly. Some of the activities include development of IEC materials, awareness meetings and conferences/workshops. FPAM together with Women's Regal Resource Centre, YECE and Area Development Committees have also developed a joint action plan in 5 Traditional Authorities . FPAM's End of Child marriage Strategy will be finalised by mid February 2015. CHRR has already formulated a district Team with the assistance of the district Desk officer in Mangochi for the ministry of gender and have also made contact with the Mangochi District Education Network. YONECO developed its own Action plan but also took an active role in the development of the National Action plans that was done by all Networks of NGOs implementing programmes against child marriages. The networks comprise of NGO Gender Coordination, UNFPA, UN Women, Human Rights Consultative Committee, Malawi Human Rights Commission, Girls not Brides, Grand Coalition on Child Rights, Ministry of Gender, Children and Disability, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education. Note that Livingstonia Synod Health Department, CEG, Amref to do this activity in the next quarter
Result 5.1.1.b Number of partner organisations active in networks and lobby to prevent child marriage
10
6 partners (FPAM, CHRR, YECE, Amref, YONECO, and Livingstonia Synod Health Department) have managed to be part of the 30 networks so far. In these networks some are members, others chair, custodians, or secretaries. Some of these networks include Girls Not Brides, Africa wide Movement for Children (AMC), International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), Youth Friendly Health Service Strategy Review Taskforce, Sex Workers Alliance, NGO Coordination, Uchembere Network, ACT Alliance. For example CHRR and YONECO are all members of Girls and Not Brides while Livingstonia Synod Health Department is the secretary for Uchembere network
Result 5.1.1.c Number of meetings to which partners participate for legaland policy influencing and/or improvement of policy implementation to prevent child marriage at local/ regional/ national level At least 22 meetings were conducted in this quarter. Out of this 11 were local, 1 regional and 10 national. Note that not all partners participate in these meetings only a minority attends. However, the outcomes of these meetings were encouraging and they include; commitment of government to have the marriage bill passed in parliament, increased awareness of the national child helpline as a response mechanism against child abuse, a task force committee was formulated to fight against child marriages at ADC level, review and strengthening of by laws against child marriages
Result 6.1.1.a Number of service providers/health staff trained in the delivery of Youth-Friendly Services (YFS) Within the reporting period health workers have not been trained but did utilize those that were trained under UFBR. YONECO trained 18 health workers (7 female and 11 male) in YFHS under UFBR and these came from the following health centres Katuli, Luwalika (in T/A Katuli), Koche, Mpondasi, Mangochi District Hospital (in T/A Mponda) Assalam and Kukalanga (in T/A Chimwala). Note that this activity will be done in the next quarter
Result 6.1.1.b Number of SRHR-services (incl. helplines and antenatal care) provided to young people by our partner organisations (direct) The present situation is that more referrals are being made compared to delivery of other services. For example 43 girls were referred to a health facility. Only 7 girls were assisted through the ‘’Call to help line for counselling service’ and 23 girls were provided with counselling services. On the counselling services CEGI counsel the client through the hotline call backs on the number of issues like ; what can i do if am pregnant but i still want to go to school!, What is the relation between SRHR and Child marriages, where can i get support is am raped and or i have been withdrawn from marriage etc. And from some calls referrals to the health centre and doctors were made. For the hotline polls have been created which has information on child marriage and that youth were given a call number for them to text and send call me backs to participate in the hotline interaction. This has been done through creation of hotline polls/question and answers Note that all these referral were for girls, so far no boys have been registered for the referral. 11
Result 6.2.1.a Number of SRHR-services provided to young people by the government with support from our partner organisations (indirect) Refer to 6.1.1b since that was being done with support from the government
Result 6.2.1.b Number of contraceptives provided to young people So far 4 methods have been registered to have been widely used and these are male condoms with 33,060 users, female condoms (17,795), Pills (212), monthly injectable 241 and implant for 5 years (206). Contraceptives with the highest figures are male condoms since these in history were the well-known methods unlike the others and the youth are more comfortable to use the male condoms than female ones since they are used to them.
Implementation adjustments EEDF has stepped up the implementation of the planned activities but still need more time as indicated above. Specifically, we will speed up the construction of girls change rooms to ensure girls friendly schools. YECE will maintain the planned strategies and approaches of implementing the project activities. CHRR has adapted a more programs approach where more officers are involved in the implementation of activities this will help reach targets in time. All trainings that will be key to reaching our targets will be prioritised in our plans and use weekends for the sessions. Further frequent activity reviews are being done to ensure that targets are not missed. Some activities will also be implemented simultaneously in order to speed up implementation. Since YONECO is also taking a leading role in ending child marriages National campaign, there may be planning and ways that may be adjusted or revised especially those that targets members of parliament and government officials. On the other hand during rainy season which runs from December, 2014 to April, 2015, AMREF will implement in door activities such as intensifying trainings for the both health staff and community members as most community activities cannot be implemented due to impassable roads as well as taking into account that this is farming season. After rainy season community activities such as open days will take place.
Financial reporting
Through my interaction with implementing partners the impression I got is that all partners have received their planned funding which they are using up to the point of reporting. I am not aware of a partner that has failed to carry out planned activity due to lack of funds.
12