In a remote corner of Africa, Divine Drops embarked on a transformative journey to empower women through education and training in hormone balance and reproductive health. The project aimed to equip 20 women with the knowledge and tools to become reproductive health champions in their communities. What unfolded over the course of two weeks was nothing short of inspiring.
Setting the Stage
The project kicked off with intensive training sessions where the women delved into the intricacies of hormone balance and reproductive health. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice, they not only absorbed vital information but also honed their skills in effectively sharing this knowledge with others. Founder Mikaela Ingram, Dr Erick Luta and Leading Partner Grace Ngonyani worked together to complete this specific training that we were working to complete for the first time ever in Tanzania. The women got to check out their posters, books, flip charts products and all the other tools they will be using to share information in their community. They were also so excited to see their learning library that they can access any day of the week at Grace's training center.
Empowerment in Action:
Each woman embraced the project as more than just a training opportunity – they saw it as an investment in themselves, their future and their communities. Armed with newfound knowledge, determination, and an awesome product most women never knew existed. They began to view their role as reproductive health champions as a small business venture, with the potential to make a lasting impact, a ripple effect they were already able to see the impact of after just one week.
Boys are also curious...
A bus conductor checking out the pads the girls were sharing, he was inquisitive and impressed. Some young boys reading through the materials together with curiosity, asking lots of questions. Arusha, Tanzania
Tools of Empowerment:
Upon completion of the training, the women received a certificate of achievement, along with a kit containing their first set of pads to sell. Additionally, they were equipped with educational books, anatomy models, posters, and a flip chart book to facilitate workshops and outreach activities in their communities. Most importantly a fearless leader, Grace Ngonyani. Mikaela met Grace back in early 2023 through a mutual friend, she stated "You must meet Grace, she is a firecracker in the class room and her main passion is reproductive health education." So far Grace has worked tirelessly to pull together the right group of women and uplift them into this new opportunity.
Some of our reproductive health champions, excited and armed with new knowledge.
Building Bridges:
Throughout the journey, Divine Drops engaged in fruitful collaborations with various organizations, including the Gracious Hope Foundation to implement the first Reproductive Health Champions Project in Tanzania. The foundation provided invaluable support and leadership to the project. Grace's expertise as a Tanzanian native and former biology teacher enriched the women's learning experience. During our time in Eastern Africa, we were also able to make a pass through the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya. While there we learned about the challenges the girls and women are facing in the local slums, one being the largest in Africa - Kibera. While passing through we were able to meet with Human Needs Org, Carolinas for Kibera, Compassion International, Noble Queens Foundation, Africa Health Business and so much more. Although Kenya has advanced in many ways the community was sharing they are still feeling behind on reproductive health and better product options just like their neighboring countries.
Anna, a reproductive health champion testing out her new found wisdom in one of our classroom training sessions.
Testimonies
"Being part of the Reproductive Health Champions project has been a blessing in so many ways. Before this, I never imagined I could have a job that not only gives me knowledge and income but also allows me to make a real difference in my community. I feel proud every day, knowing that what I’m doing is good and helpful, not just for me but for the women around me.
One of my favorite things is seeing the change in our community—especially seeing less garbage on the ground. By selling reusable pads and educating women, we’re helping reduce waste and making our environment cleaner. It’s such a good feeling to know that I’m part of something that’s creating positive change, both for our health and our planet.
This project has truly changed my life. I have learned so much, and gained confidence, and I know that with this knowledge and new job, I’m building a better future for myself and my family." - Reproductive Health Champion, Esther
Grace with her new project projector, something she has wanted for her center since she learned how to use one at one of her previous teaching jobs over 15 years ago.
Grace's Testimony:
"For over 15 years, I dreamed of being able to make a real difference in the lives of women in my community. I tried many times to create groups and initiatives on my own, but the resources and support I needed were always just out of reach. When Divine Drops partnered with us, everything changed.
Being part of the Reproductive Health Champions project has been a life-changing experience, not just for me, but for all of the women we have trained. Through the training and the materials we received, we gained knowledge, confidence, and most importantly, a voice. The flip charts are invaluable—they help us educate others in our communities in ways that are easy to understand, even where electricity and technology are not available.
I am now leading a group of 25 incredible women who are not only providing essential health education but are also earning an income by selling reusable pads. This project is giving us the tools to build stronger futures for ourselves, our families, and our communities. We feel empowered, and we are proud to be part of something that will make a lasting impact.
Thanks to this initiative, I know that my dream of supporting the women in my community is becoming a reality, and that, for me, is priceless."
Grace and our Founder Mikaela Ingram, after a long day of training, market visits, workshops and trouble shooting. We were still having lots of good fun!
Conclusion:
Divine Drops' journey in Africa has been a profound testament to the enduring power of education, empowerment, and unwavering persistence. It took several tries and many trips, each filled with both challenges and victories, to reach this point of true sustainability. Over the years, we have seen success in many forms because sharing vital information with women about their bodies is never a loss—it’s a gift that keeps giving. But this project, the Reproductive Health Champions, is different. For the first time, we are witnessing not just the spread of knowledge, but the birth of something far more enduring: a sense of sustainability and personal responsibility that will continue to thrive long after we are gone.
Through this initiative, 25 incredible women have been equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become leaders in their communities. They are not just passing on information; they are creating waves of positive change that will ripple across generations. The impact of this project is already resonating far beyond the borders of Arusha, Tanzania, and we know this is just the beginning.
But this journey is far from over. We now have the opportunity to bring this transformative project to two more locations that are ready and waiting for us. The communities are eager, the groundwork has been laid, and all that’s missing is the funding to make it happen. With your support, we can ensure that these women—and countless others—have the chance to become champions of reproductive health, building healthier, more empowered communities for years to come.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, stay tuned for our next adventure!
Embark on this transformative journey with Divine Drops, where education meets actionable steps, and you're empowered to take control of your hormonal well-being with informed decisions and proactive measures. Check out more helpful learning materials here.
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