Meru Passionate Riders, a motorbike riders' group in Meru, have joined the bandwagon of raising awareness on teen pregnancies by donating sanitary pads and innerwear to over 2,000 girls and boys in Mugae, Tigania West.
The riders group comprises of over 50 people riding for charity and recreation. It's donation gesture was instigated by the 'sex for pads' reports in the area.
According to Rei Sub-location Assistant Chief, Peter Gitile, school closure during the Covid-19 pandemic saw many teenage pregnancy cases.
During a teen pregnancy awareness seminar Mr. Gitile said, “We have received several reports of teen pregnancies in the area, prompting us to consider holding seminars for the youth. Many of the teenagers affected come from poor backgrounds and end up dropping out of school. Such forums will go a long way in enlightening the teenagers on how to safeguard their future.”
The seminar was held over the previous weekend
at Kiburuti Kerith Church in Tigania West.
The Chairman of Meru Passionate Riders, Koome Kinyua, denounced men who sexually abuse teenage girls, taking advantage of the girls' need for sanitary pads. He said such men should face serious penalties.
Mr. Kinyua said addressing the rising cases of teenage pregnancies requires concerted efforts.
“We have brought together reproductive health professionals and health awareness organisations to ensure the teenagers are advised on how to abstain, protect themselves and avoid falling prey. Besides giving sanitary pads, we are also giving underwear to boys as part of efforts to raise awareness,” he noted.
Casty Micheni, the founder of Tujijenge Mashinani Initiative, urged parents engage with their children more on matters concerning reproductive health.
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