The Kenya Anti-Female Genital Mutilation board in collaboration with Safe Engage Foundation has launched a programme dubbed Arts to End FGM by children.
The program aimed at using arts and creativity by children to send anti-FGM messages as they showcase their talents.
Speaking during the launch of the program at Kehancha town, the director of Safe Engage Foundation (SEF) Christine Gatti, a community based organization in Kuria noted the use of arts among children will help campaign messages stick longer.
Gatti further noted that the move will ensure children are sensitized on the need to discourage FGM activities at a tender age.
“We feel children are left behind in as much as we are trying to eradicate this vice. And that is the reason why we are engaging them to use their creativity in arts to pass messages that help to foster the anti-FGM fight,” she said.
She further outlined the challenges facing children among them female circumcision and violence.
Gatti also noted the importance of engaging children, especially when talking about matters that involve and affect them directly.
New energy
The Anti-FGM Board Programmes Manager Nyerere Kutwa applauded the Safe Engage Foundation for involving children in the fight against female circumcision and specifically through arts.
Nyerere stated that involving children and art in fighting FGM is an avenue that has not been fully exploited and hence the initiative breathes new life into the campaign to end the vice.
“The artistic performance demonstrated by children here today will help to further spread the messages of eradicating the vice,” said Kutwa.
Kuria West Sub County children’s officer James Omondi while gracing the occasion said that the department of children will continue to do more advocacy for children.
“We will engage with other organizations to champion for the safety of children in the region, especially against the vices like FGM.” Said Omondi.
Upon its launch, the success of the art to end FGM programme shall be aided through its incorporation in schools in the region especially Kuria East and West Sub Counties.
Among the schools that the programme is already enrolled in include, Kendege, Igena and Nyatechi primary schools in the Kuria regions.