MORE than 400 out-of-school adolescent girls in Kahama Municipality, Shinyanga Region, have received life skills training aimed at economic empowerment and preventing engagement in risky behaviours.

Speaking at a recent session, Swaiba Chemchem, coordinator of the “My Right, My Choice” project from Wildaf Organisation, said the programme has been reaching girls since 2021.

Swaiba added that each year, around 100 girls from Shinyanga and Mara regions benefit from the training.

She explained that after training, participants are monitored by community development officers at ward level and linked to entrepreneurial groups to generate income.

“These girls have become strong advocates reporting sexual violence against children and women, meeting monthly through entrepreneurial groups to discuss challenges,” said Swaiba.

Kagonya Ward community development officer, Marry Lazaro, said the training has helped girls recognise that violence is not a normal part of life or culture.

She noted that Sukuma traditions had previously seen many girls married off young instead of attaining education, as they felt weak to resist after witnessing similar cases.

Lazaro highlighted challenges including teenage pregnancy, child marriage, misconceptions about education, and forced marriage.

One beneficiary, Leah Kalaba (18), said the training empowered her to report sexual violence cases.

Zainabu Ally (17), from Nyasubi Ward, said she learned about family planning and now advises young girls not to be lured by parents or street youths but to pursue their dreams.