Kiota CBO has made a significant impact in Changamwe subcounty through its SCORE project, effecting substantial changes in both individuals and the community. One exemplary story is that of Hassan Mohammed Mwandani, the leader of the Coast Warrior Dance Crew. Initially, Hassan’s dedication was primarily to dance. However, his involvement shifted dramatically after Kiota conducted Maskani Talk sessions in his area, leading him to embrace a new role as a peer educator for Kiota’s SCORE project.
Hassan’s transition from focusing solely on dance to becoming a passionate advocate for sexual and reproductive health demonstrates the transformative power of Kiota’s initiatives. Before his engagement with Kiota, Hassan struggled with discussing sexual and reproductive health topics due to discomfort with the terminology. Yet, after participating in Kiota’s SRHR training, he became an effective champion for these issues in his community.
Hassan’s area, known for frequent abortions, faced severe issues with teen pregnancies and unplanned pregnancies. As a result, many residents resorted to abortions, often involving the distressing discovery of fetuses in dumping sites. This situation highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.
Through his involvement in the SCORE project, Hassan has been instrumental in addressing these challenges. By promoting family planning and reproductive health
awareness, he has contributed significantly to improving the community’s approach to these critical issues. Hassan’s efforts are not confined to SRHR education alone. As the founder of the Coast Warrior Dance Crew, he has also established a formal partnership with Kiota through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration exemplifies Kiota’s holistic approach to community development, combining leadership, education, and artistic endeavors to drive meaningful change and foster a healthier, more informed community