Uganda’s Wise Choices For Life curriculum is expanding further, to equip other African communities with life-changing skills.

Wise Choices For Life Uganda staff recently delivered training to church leaders, cultural leaders, school teachers and social workers involved in the Anglican Diocese of Mt Kenya West’s community development program.

Their goal was to empower these participants to become champions, who could themselves deliver training in schools, village groups, homes and families.

Sparking change

We can see it already creating the germ of change. “I feel prepared to discuss these messages in an age-appropriate, respectful manner that resonates with children and young people,” one participant said. “This is particularly significant to me because it empowers me to discuss more comfortably and with clarity issues surrounding sexuality.”

Reproductive health training is a real need in these communities.

Every year about 13,000 girls in Kenya leave high school because they are pregnant. The consequences for their lives are huge. They are often shunned by their families, and are at a much higher risk of living in poverty and experiencing family violence.

Wise Choices For Life Uganda Country Director Joyce believes the Kenyan training has the groundwork for sustained community development, that will empower individuals to make informed decisions, and foster healthier, resilient communities.

The Kenyan participants certainly think it will.

“As a Sunday school teacher ... I was able to identify some of the gaps we leave behind when teaching them. ... Having been trained by Wise Choices For Life I am now equipped to handle the issues teens are going through as I empower them with life skills and values.”