Health & wellness is deeply ingrained in our work at Komera. We have a number of programs focused on sexual and reproductive health, emotional support and sport at primary and secondary schools for both boys and girls to come together on an equal playing field; learning gender norms and dynamics of power, and using sport as a tool for confidence-building and teamwork.
PATHWAY TO POWER - SPORT FOR Health & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
At Komera, we believe that in order to address the issue of female equality, we must work with boys too. In our School Partnership Program, we work with boys and girls in Primary 5 (grade 5) using soccer and sport as a tool for engagement. Over 700 students from four local primary schools meet on a bi-weekly basis to play together and to learn about their health, child rights and how boys and girls should treat one another. Komera staff have trained 8 teacher mentors in schools on student engagement techniques and learner centered pedagogy. The mentors help facilitate lessons and implement the HEALTH program alongside Komera staff.
Scholar Diane enjoyed the lessons on reproductive health the most, especially learning about body parts, and using the power of her voice to say “no” to sex. She said, “I am now confident to say my body parts by their names. This helps me to accept who I am as a girl.No one can lie to me because I know my body and how it works.” Read Diane’s story >
Yoga For Young Mothers - Addressing the issue
Komera developed a program to reach the most vulnerable demographic in our community: pregnant youth and teen mothers. Using a multifaceted approach, Komera works to support their health, education and economic development, all while using yoga as a tool for mind and body wellbeing.
This innovative program engages community-based mentors who work with teen mothers. Mentors meet with their mentees twice a week, helping them to set goals, take care of their infants, and plan for their future. Once a week young mothers participate in yoga to help them address anxiety and trauma.
“I am so grateful for the Komera program and yoga,” said participant Olive. “It is a good time for us to be happy, learn to love ourselves, and focus to work for a better future.” Read Olive’s story >
NaBaCcu Program - engaging in community dialogue through sport
In order to address social norms concerning women and girls, Komera staff work with the broader community. We do this through community sporting events where people gather to have fun, develop community and learn. Parent groups present theatre pieces around issues that are concerning them and create a community dialogue.
Some of the subjects of concern are how to support adolescent mothers, address gender-based violence in the community, and build gender equity.
Primitive, mother to Komera scholar Marta, spoke about being in the Nabaccu program, “I gained self-confidence, even though I never went to school. I don’t let this prevent me from participating in community meetings and speaking up to ask questions.” Read Primitive’s story >
Run to Rwanda
In 2008, we organized the first ever girls-only fun run in Rwanda, and hundreds of girls joined together to run in solidarity! Ever since that June day a decade ago, Komera was inspired by the enthusiasm of our community and the collective power of young women coming together to not only run, but use their voices to create change. Every June, Komera hosts a Komera Global Fun Run for our community in Rwinkwavu to celebrate and support young women! We believe in the power of sport as a tool to create change!
Antoinette joined to the Komera Global Run — and ended up running for her education! Read her inspiring story >
Komera Global Run
What began as a fun run for girls in Rwanda has developed into a global movement of people around the world running for girls’ education and rights! Every year, people all over the world run together in solidarity with the Komera scholars running in Rwanda in the Komera Global Run! The Komera Global Run has become a movement supporting girls’ around the globe! Join the Komera Global Run movement >