By William Rui

Members of the Criminal Justice club had a unique opportunity to visit the Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation center, a life-changing experience that left a lasting impact. The visit, which was organized as part of the club’s community outreach program, aimed to engage with the children and understand the challenges they face, while also offering support and legal insights that may prove useful for their future reintegration into society.

The staff provided a summary of the center's operations, including the girls' demographics, rehabilitation strategies, and difficulties encountered. Lydia Winda led the icebreaker and established the lively tone for the day's activities, which were organized by volunteers from Clean Start, Inua Dada, and the USIU-Africa Counseling Center.

While Inua Dada officials mentored the girls on health and cleanliness and provided helpful guidance on the use of sanitary items, the Counseling Center held a mental health workshop to help the girls overcome psychological obstacles. The girls themselves shared inspirational stories and the volunteers offered advise during a storytelling and career discussion session. Immediate former Mr. and Mrs. USIU-Africa led a modeling session that focused on increasing their creativity and self-esteem.

The issues faced by girls between the ages of 12 and 17, the majority of whom originate from dysfunctional households or challenging circumstances, were brought to light during the visit. The center also provides job training, counseling, and practical help to young and expectant women in order to prepare them for a better future. In addition to CBC, the center also offers vocational courses in dressmaking, baking, and solar installation to give the girls practical skills that will help them in their future job search.

The center has made tremendous progress over the years but still has challenges, such as inadequate staffing, a lack of funding, and unresolved family matters that impede reintegration. To enhance the children’s experiences, staff stressed the importance of educational resources, counseling, and mentorship programs.

The club thanked the personnel for their renewed commitment to the girls' cause by distributing donations and personal belongings as the day came to an end. This visit demonstrated how community involvement acts as a catalyst for change, enabling the club to mobilize resources and promote the advancement of girls. By giving these defenseless young souls second chances, Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation Center is shining its light of hope.