The Learning through Education and Access to Skills for Employment Project (LEAP) Seasons VII and VIII, funded by Global Affairs Canada through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), has been a catalyst for change in Kakuma and Kalobeyei since 2020.
Between June 2024 – October 2024, Africa’s Voices contributed to the implementation of the project’s transformative journey. Africa’s Voices led community engagement activities, including radio discussions, drama listening clubs in schools, and community call-to-action events to address critical issues like child marriages, early pregnancies, gender-based violence (GBV), and cultural practices that hinder girls’ education.
Engagement
In schools, drama listening clubs were held in 8 institutions; 4 primary and 4 secondary, within both the camp and host communities. Each club, consisting of up to 35 learners (15 boys and 20 girls), focused on building life skills, breaking barriers to education, and fostering gender equality.
Additionally, eleven call-to-action events engaged 592 participants from both host and refugee communities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, with three events targeting schools and eight focusing on broader community outreach. These activities highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing societal challenges.
In season VII of the interactive radio series, there were 2,766 participants who contributed 4,618 messages, while season VIII had 2,986 participants sharing 5,451 messages.
Through this engagement, the project fostered conversations that challenge harmful norms and empower girls and women.
Key insights and challenges
Persistent cultural barriers, including resistance to discussing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and disproportionate household responsibilities for girls, continue to impede progress. Violence against children and GBV remain widespread concerns, despite preventive measures such as safe spaces, educational workshops, and awareness campaigns. Financial dependence, particularly among women, exacerbates these challenges, limiting their ability to report abuse or achieve self-reliance.
While LEAP’s initiatives, such as the Binti Imara radio program and drama series, have raised awareness and promoted behavior change, gaps remain in long-term solutions like community-wide mindset shifts, stronger protective structures, and access to justice for survivors.
Recommendations
Conclusion
Africa’s Voices’ engagement in LEAP Seasons VII and VIII has been instrumental in transforming the lives of girls and women in Kakuma and Kalobeyei by fostering inclusive conversations and driving social change. Through interactive radio discussions, drama listening clubs, and community call-to-action events, AV has amplified marginalized voices, challenged harmful gender norms, and inspired collective action to address issues like child marriage, early pregnancies, and GBV. While challenges persist, the project has laid a strong foundation for ongoing dialogue and behavior change. By continuing to integrate community-driven approaches and multi-sectoral interventions, Africa’s Voices is not only elevating discussions but also shaping a future where refugee and host communities can work together to create safer, more equitable opportunities for girls and women