Empowering Students at Rodan Secondary School.

In continuing with our reproductive health initiative, we visited Rodan Secondary School in Mwanza, a government Co-Ed boarding school hosting 800 teenagers.

As our visit was tailored to discussing puberty and reproductive health, our team fielded questions that the teens would have otherwise hesitated to ask their teachers and guardians. After dividing the students into groups, the team tackled questions on body changes during puberty, how to react to them, and what to expect.

We also discussed sexual desires, ways of abstaining from sexual relations until the proper age, and the right partner. Particular attention was given to a lesson on sexually transmitted diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS.

The Mediams Tanzania team, accompanied by volunteer medical students from CUHAS - Bugando, also shared a lesson on oral hygiene. Each student received a toothbrush, paste, and soaps. The girls were provided with sanitary pads and basic knowledge on hygiene during menses.

"The teachers were especially welcoming and provided a lot of support in our efforts to deliver our message to the teens. We shared our own challenges through education and activism to inspire them."