Inspired by the success of SAFE Maa and their use of traditional Maasai culture, SAFE Samburu are using Samburu song to begin education about HIV/AIDS and to start a discussion on abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). As they begin their work in the Westgate conservancy, 100% of girls are being cut, and knowledge of HIV/AIDS is startlingly low.

HIV/AIDS

Due to its inaccessibility, there is a critical lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge in Westgate Conservancy. Instead, information is gleaned through myth and superstition. SAFE Samburu work to dispel misconceptions, provide accurate information, promote condom use and reduce the stigma of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the community.

On Stage: SAFE Samburu use Samburu song, a traditional Samburu method of conveying information, to provide mass education on HIV/AIDS. The songs are entertaining as well as providing essential education. Therefore, the team always draw in large crowds, who are engaged throughout.

Off Stage: SAFE Samburu provide follow up programmes with all groups of Samburu society in order to provide a deeper education on HIV transmission, prevention and care. The facilitators work with the community to create and implement initiatives which improve access to and use of condoms.

FGM/C

SAFE Samburu have experienced fierce opposition whilst carrying out their FGM/C programme, despite this, they have made considerable progress in their short time of operation. S.A.F.E. is the first organisation to successfully open a dialogue on FGM/C in Westgate Conservancy and have secured the backing of high profile community leaders.

On Stage: The FGM/C abandonment performance consists of two groups of singers, one representing the traditionalists who are in favour of preserving FGM/C and the other are progressives who want to abandon it. The two groups sing to each other, relaying their arguments and one by one, the traditionalists begin to join the side of the progressives. In the end, the remaining traditionalists decide to at least discuss the issue.

Off Stage: Focusing on all levels of Samburu society, the team carry out workshops, with the elders, women, Morans and non-schooled youth. Workshops are divided according to gender and age set, this allows the participants to be open and honest in their discussions. SAFE Samburu also engage with school children through school health clubs, the educated youth have a significant voice in the community and are essential to the campaign.
SAFE Samburu outreach officers carry out one on one interventions to allow for deeper conversations about all aspects of FGM/C. They provide individual support to families who have daughters approaching cutting age, with the aim of persuading the family to choose the Alternate Rite of Passage (ARP), not circumcision.