| |
| Graduands
pose for pictures during the Tumndo Ne
Leel ceremonies that have replaced the
traditional circumcision rites. Photo credit:
Tumndo Ne Leel Support Group |
Background
Tumndo Ne Leel Support Group (TNLSG) was
registered on 14th October 2003 as a Community Based
Organization (CBO). It was formed to address the
problem of female circumcision among the Kalenjin
community in Kenya; specifically the Keiyo where
the programme has been piloted.
Mission
TNLSG mission is to “facilitate the adoption
and implementation of Tumndo Ne Leel curriculum
for initiation of girls and impartation of life
skills to women and girls”.
Goal
TNLSG aims to “work towards the abandonment
of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for the advancement
of girls and empowerment of women in the communities
that practice the rite”.
Objectives
Some of the objectives of the CBO include: the performance
of initiation ceremonies for girls without the circumcision
rites. This is to enable them attain adulthood status
in conformity with society’s expectations
of women of marriageable age. During the ceremonies,
the project also emphasizes the value of education
for the girls, which is necessary for their advancement
and creates awareness about the community’s
traditions and their transitional dynamics.
As part of its mandate, The CBO also enhances the
community’s understanding of initiation and
the coming of age rites and ceremonies while demystify
the secrets, myths and the taboos that promote female
circumcision. Thus, the project provides information
on the negative effects of female circumcision and
the need for change.
In addition, the CBO provides psychological support
to victims of FGM, rape and domestic violence.
As part of the ceremonies, information on HIV/AIDS
is also disseminated and a forum created for mothers
and their daughters to discuss matters of mutual
concern.
Successes 2003-2006
So far, TNLSG has trained 340 initiators/trainers
(motirenik) and initiated 875 girls in
four Divisions of Keiyo District. Replication of
the programme in other Kalenjin communities is also
planned with the aim to reach the population of
about 4.2 million people.
Impact
The practice of FGM has reduced and more girls are
remaining in school longer. There is also a notable
change in the attitude of members of the community
to initiation and circumcision rites. The level
of participation by community members has increased
and many have accepted the new ways.
As a result of the CBO’s advocacy campaigns,
there is an increase in the level of awareness of
the effects of FGM on the reproductive health of
women. Many of the traditional circumcisers and
initiators have changed their means of livelihood
Thus, many custodians of culture are embracing
and adopting Tumndo Ne Leel and abandoning
the practice of FGM. Also, in the communities, there
is an increasing demand for uncircumcised wives
and increasing support of career development and
empowerment of women and girls by the elite.
Challenges
Generally, financial resources are inadequate to
cover all the activities of the CBO with regard
to programme co-ordination, communication, training
of initiators, initiation of girls and the sustenance
of the personnel. Many of the services of the Support
Group are provided by volunteers and the CBO still
lacks key working tools and equipment.
For more information, please contact: Tumndo
Ne Leel Support Group, P.O. Box 1644-30100
Eldoret. Tel: 0721-668770. Email: tumndoneleel@yahoo.com.
Website : www.eldoret.info
Back
to main page |
