This time of year is circumcision time in Kenya.
Female circumcision is a serious health concern because it’s a high risk activity. It’s also an abuse of human rights. Today many communities are involved in a programme to educate the community about the issue of female circumcision and run a five-day lifeskills and cultural training for girls who are at risk. The aim is to provide an option – called an Alternative Rite of Passage – for families to choose instead of female genital cutting. The programme is led by the communities to which those families belong: local women and men prepare the course, the materials and deliver the training.
Friends of Londiani - working with community leaders - has developed an alternative to female circumcision, which enables girls to remain in school and safeguards their health and well being. The FGM (female genital mutilation) Abandonment Programme includes sensitisation, education and an Alternative Rite of Passage Course. Together with the support of Irish Aid and UK Aid, Friends of Londiani will be able to support up to 2,000 girls as they complete this programme in the coming weeks.

You can find out more about the programme and see photographs from our latest course in Kenya, over on our Facebook page here>>