Health Education

Zuri Life’s health education program is built around a simple belief: when young people understand their bodies, they can better protect their futures.

On Mfangano Island, we are working to prevent HIV and reduce teen pregnancy by bringing honest, age-appropriate health education directly to adolescents ages 10–18. This is not a one-time presentation. We are planning to visit every single school on the island      (34 in total) so that every child has access to the same life-saving information, no matter where they live or what resources their school has.

These talks will be led by our Community Health Coordinator, Veronica Aono. Veronica supports individuals in achieving optimal health through personalized, evidence-based nutrition, with formal training in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and a certification in clinical nutrition. She also holds certification in Research and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), giving her a strong grounding in ethics, safety, and scientific rigor. That matters in a program like this, because we want every message we share to be accurate, responsible, and rooted in real evidence, not rumors or fear.

Veronica brings both clinical skill and research experience to the work. She has supported people pursuing general wellness and those navigating chronic conditions, and she uses that same thoughtful approach with young people: meeting them where they are, explaining health in clear language, and treating questions with respect. She is also involved in continuing education and collaborative research projects focused on sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention among adolescents and young people, so our program can stay aligned with what is current, proven, and culturally appropriate.

And we are not stopping after the first round of visits. Veronica will return to every school to assess students’ understanding, reinforce key topics, and fill any remaining questions. Because real learning doesn’t always happen in one day. Sometimes the most important questions arrive after students have had time to think, talk, and process.

By going school to school, and then coming back again, we are not just sharing information. We are building a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and self-advocacy that young people can carry for the rest of their lives. Because prevention starts long before crisis. It starts with understanding.

A sensitization session was conducted for 61 girls (Grades 6–9, ages 12–15) at Misori Comprehensive School in Mfangano Island. The session focused on building self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness while providing accurate information on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and proper menstrual hygiene. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, and motivational talks, learners openly shared experiences and actively participated in a safe and supportive environment. The session was impactful and highlighted the need for continued SRH education, provision of sanitary materials, and the creation of safe spaces for adolescents on the island.

A sensitization session was conducted for 38 learners in Grades 5 and 6 at Kitenyi Primary School. The session focused on building self-worth, confidence, and informed decision-making while creating awareness about sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, the menstrual cycle, body awareness, and sexual and gender-based violence. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, and anonymous note-based questions, learners were able to participate more freely in a safe and supportive environment. Many were receiving this information for the first time and expressed appreciation for the information, education, and communication materials provided. The session highlighted the importance of consistent health education, parental guidance, provision of sanitary pads, and the need to establish safe spaces for adolescents.

A sensitization session was conducted for 108 learners (55 girls and 53 boys) in Grades 6–9 at Gulwe Comprehensive Day and Boarding School, the only public day and boarding school in Suba North Constituency and the most remote on the island. Due to its distance and limited access to health and social services, learners rarely receive such educational sessions. The discussion focused on self-worth, informed decision-making, menstrual hygiene, understanding the body, risk factors related to adolescent vulnerabilities, and safety measures against sexual and gender-based violence. Through interactive discussions, motivational talks, and anonymous question notes, learners actively engaged and expressed a strong desire for continued sessions. The visit highlighted the urgent need for consistent health education, safe spaces for adolescents, and provision of sanitary materials to support learners in this underserved community.

A sensitization session was conducted for 126 students in Grades 3-10 at Sena Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary School. Despite initial hesitation from both students and teachers, the session created an open and engaging learning environment. While some boys initially felt that menstruation education did not concern them, they later became actively involved and asked insightful questions. The discussion covered self-worth, informed decision-making, menstrual hygiene, understanding the body, adolescent risk factors, and safety measures against sexual and gender-based violence. Learners actively participated through discussions and anonymous questions and appreciated receiving educational materials. The session emphasized the importance of continued health education, provision of sanitary pads, and establishing safe spaces for adolescents.

A sensitization session was conducted for 61 learners, including 31 girls in Grades 6–9, at Wamai Comprehensive School. The session focused on best practices during menstruation, understanding the menstrual cycle, building self-confidence, and promoting informed decision-making. Discussions also addressed menstrual hygiene, body awareness, adolescent risk factors, and safety measures against sexual and gender-based violence. Learners actively participated through questions and discussions, showing particular interest in reusable sanitary towels. The session was well received, and students appreciated the educational materials provided. Key recommendations included the need for continued health education sessions, provision of sanitary pads, and the establishment of safe spaces for adolescents.

A sensitization session was conducted for 85 learners, including 45 girls in Grades 6–9, at Mauta Primary and Junior School. The session was highly interactive, with learners confidently participating alongside their teachers. Discussions focused on best practices during menstruation, understanding the menstrual cycle, self-confidence, informed decision-making, menstrual hygiene, body awareness, adolescent risk factors, and safety measures against sexual and gender-based violence. Learners asked thoughtful questions, reflecting their growing awareness and curiosity. Students appreciated receiving educational materials and recommended continued health education sessions, provision of sanitary pads, creation of safe spaces for adolescents, and inclusion of supportive initiatives for boys. The session was impactful and encouraged confidence and peer support among learners.

A sensitization session was conducted for 35 students, including 8 girls in Grades 3-10 at Mauta Secondary School. Learners actively participated in an engaging and interactive session supported by the school administration. Discussions focused on best practices during menstruation, understanding the menstrual cycle, building self-confidence, informed decision-making, menstrual hygiene, body awareness, adolescent risk factors, and safety measures against sexual and gender-based violence. Students appreciated receiving educational materials and recommended continued health education sessions, provision of sanitary pads, and creation of safe spaces for adolescents. The session was impactful and well received by the learners.