A situational analysis of peer education clubs for reproductive health in secondary schools in Western Kenya

Despite many programs in Kenya aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy, schools in rural districts are often neglected. As a result, many adolescent girls in these areas still become pregnant, leading to elevated school dropout rates, health complications for both the mother and child, and even morbidity and mortality due to unsafe abortions. GABS is a fledgling program designed to reach schools in these rural areas and provide sexual and reproductive health education to secondary school students through a peer educator model.

The goal of my practicum was to perform an in-depth situational analysis, which GABS will use to apply for grant funding. This session discusses the methods used to perform the situational analysis, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and classroom surveys, as well as the experience of designing and implementation of a sample peer education lesson. It also shares lessons learned and challenges from the field as an MPH student and emphasizes the importance of an international practicum in developing practical skills, understanding cultural differences and choosing a future career path