Date: 13th June, 2025Venue: Mende Kalema Memorial SchoolTime: 2:00 PM – 4:30

Number of Participants: 400 girls, 9 counselors (4 from Care for a Girl Uganda)

At Care for a Girl Uganda Ltd (CFAGU), we believe that empowering girls means reaching them where they are especially in schools, where crucial learning and life-shaping conversations happen. As part of our expanding School Outreach Program, we were proud to conduct a meaningful counseling session with O-Level students at Mende Kalema Memorial School on the 13th of June, 2025.

This interactive session brought together 400 girls and nine professional counselors, four of whom were from Care for a Girl Uganda. The aim was to open up honest, and impactful conversations on real-life issues affecting adolescent girls today such as early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse.

Opening Up Real Conversations That Matter

The heart of this school outreach was to initiate genuine, honest, and impactful conversations with adolescent girls, many of whom are quietly grappling with serious challenges in their homes, schools, and communities.

Our counselors tackled three critical issues facing teenage girls today:

Early Marriages

Far too many girls are forced to abandon their education due to early marriage often driven by poverty, cultural expectations, or lack of awareness. Through dialogue and storytelling, the girls were encouraged to see the long-term value of education, and were reminded of their right to choose their future. The sessions aimed to reframe marriage as a choice, not a destination, and one that should be made from a place of readiness, not pressure.

Teenage Pregnancies

We created a safe space where girls could talk openly about relationships, consent, and their changing bodies. Many participants shared personal stories and fears, which helped break the silence and stigma around sexual health. Our counselors emphasized the importance of knowledge, boundaries, and self-respect, empowering girls to make informed decisions, and seek support when needed.

Drug Abuse

In a world of growing influence from peers, media, and social pressures, drug abuse has become a silent threat among youth. The session on substance abuse highlighted the dangers physically, emotionally, and academically while offering practical strategies for saying “no,” finding support, and choosing healthier paths. It was both eye-opening and encouraging, especially for girls who had already encountered peer pressure.

Through these conversations, girls were not just given information they were heard, validated, and encouraged to reflect on their value and potential. The outreach created room for healing, understanding, and hope. Many left the session with a stronger sense of self-worth, and new tools to navigate the challenges of adolescence with courage and clarity.

Purpose-Driven Preparation

Ahead of the outreach, our team created carefully structured session plans tailored to the realities and needs of these young learners. These plans included dynamic, and engaging tools like role-play, word-storming, and group discussions ensuring the messages would be both relatable and retained.

Execution and Impact

The sessions were highly interactive, creating a safe space for dialogue, questions, and personal reflection. Each counselor focused on a specific topic, connecting with students in a way that was both respectful, and empowering.

From the first word to the closing moments, students actively participated, shared their experiences, and sought guidance from our trained professionals. Many expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity to talk openly about challenges they often feel alone in facing.

What We Learned

Every outreach is an opportunity not just to teach, but also to learn and this one was no exception. Some of the key takeaways included:

• Classroom Management: Under the leadership of Ms. Diana, the team mastered the art of maintaining an engaging, orderly classroom environment. Her mentorship was vital in helping each counselor deliver effective, age-appropriate sessions.

• Teen Engagement: Our conversations with the students gave us a deeper understanding of how teenagers perceive issues like drug use, and early relationships insights that will help us tailor future sessions even better.

• Adaptability: Not all students were equally comfortable with English, which reminded us of the importance of using inclusive, simple language, and culturally relevant examples.

• Preparation Matters: The success of this event reaffirmed that thoughtful planning is key to creating a safe, and productive learning experience.

• Teamwork: Working together as a cohesive team, guided by Miss Diana ( Program manager at Care for a girl Uganda) leadership, made the entire session smooth, collaborative, and impactful.

Looking Ahead

This school outreach is one of many we plan to conduct throughout the year, with the vision of reaching even more schools, and addressing the issues that matter most to adolescent girls. Every session plants a seed of hope, knowledge, and confidence and we can’t wait to see what grows from here.

Photo Captions

“Counselor leading a powerful session on early pregnancy—capturing hearts and minds at Mende Kalema.”

“Students engage in a word-storming activity—unpacking the dangers of drug use in a safe, open space.”

“Care for a Girl Uganda team arrives ready to inspire: counselors, and staff before the outreach begins.”

“A moment of connection—students eagerly participate in role-play exercises on peer pressure, and choices.”

“Group photo of counselors, and some of the 400 incredible girls who attended the outreach.”

“Girls write about the Value of Life—reflecting on their worth, purpose, and dreams for the future.”

“Heartwarming activity: Each girl writes down ‘One thing I like about myself is…’—a step toward self-love, and confidence.”