SKY Girls Kenya has rolled out a new board game that is reshaping how young people confront daily pressures and health challenges.

The tool, known as HOW TO FIND YOUR SKY, is already in more than 100 schools across Nairobi and Kisumu, reaching 150,000 girls with lessons that combine play, learning, and real-life decision-making.

The board game draws players into dilemmas about friendships, school, and relationships. Using dice rolls and ‘choice cards’, they must make decisions that carry consequences, with positive actions rewarded with points.

This format encourages discussion and helps make difficult subjects such as smoking, the HPV vaccine, and family planning less intimidating.

Some students say the experience feels remarkably close to real life. A Form 3 student at Moi Girls explained how it reflected her own world.

“What I really love about the game is that the scenarios are just like the things we go through as girls every day. It feels real—and it shows me step by step how I can handle those situations better,” the student said.

The rollout comes against the backdrop of low HPV vaccination rates in Kenya, where only 33 per cent of eligible girls are fully vaccinated despite government efforts.

SKY Girls Kenya says the game is already producing results.

Data from the organisation shows that 86 per cent of participants discovered new ways to respond to peer and sexual pressure, 40 per cent learnt more about HPV, and another 40 per cent developed strategies to resist smoking.

According to Project Lead Edna Njeri, the board game was designed to give girls a safe space to practise handling difficult situations before facing them in real life.

“We strongly believe that when girls are equipped to handle pressure, they can make choices that keep them true to their values. That’s why we developed HOW TO FIND YOUR SKY – an interactive board game that gives girls the tools to practice real-life scenarios in a safe, engaging way,” Njeri said.

“Here, girls role-play everyday scenarios, discuss their choices and learn from each other for proven, lasting positive results.”

The development of the game was grounded in the voices of the girls themselves.

Over a year of testing ensured that its content reflected their real experiences, making it authentic and relatable.

For many, the lessons have translated into greater confidence. A Form 2 student at Beth Mugo Secondary explained how it changed her thinking.

“I’ve learned that there’s not just one way to deal with uncomfortable situations. The game taught me different ways I can respond, and now I feel more prepared and in control,” the student said.

Teachers have also welcomed the impact. At Beth Mugo Girls, Teacher Wekesa pointed out that the game has even improved discipline among students.

“It has impacted them positively, they prefer having the game most of the time including weekends, hence cases of indiscipline or aimless movement are reduced,” Wekesa said.

At Nembu Girls, Madam Hilda highlighted how it has strengthened life skills.

“They are more creative and it has improved their decision-making skills, more so they have embraced negotiation skills even amongst themselves in school,” Hilda said.

So far, 2,000 copies have been printed and distributed to schools free of charge, with backing from the Ministry of Education, parents, and teachers.

A mobile version is planned within the next 12 to 18 months to extend its reach across the country.

The initiative, developed by Tandem Impact with support from the Gates Foundation, is part of SKY Girls Kenya’s wider strategy of combining entertainment and education.

Alongside the board game, the organisation is preparing to launch the fourth season of its popular teen drama PAA in November on YouTube, featuring new storylines and an all-female cast.

By using play as a teaching tool, SKY Girls Kenya has found a way to make challenging subjects more approachable, equipping girls with practical skills and the confidence to stay true to their choices.