Menstrual Hygiene Day – Making Periods Less of a Pain!
Since the last distribution of AFRIpads sanitary towels to Namugongo Mixed Primary School, Olivia (Victory Child Care Project’s Lead Social Worker) has been looking at identifying a community with vulnerable teenagers who can benefit from the reusable sanitary towels project. She got in touch with Njuki Allan (Child Welfare and Community Liaison Manager for Namugongo Fund for Special Children, and the acting chairperson for Kira Civil Society Organisations Network) to see if he could mobilise teenagers in one of the vulnerable communities in Kira Municipal Council that they work with. He was very receptive about the project and reminded Olivia that they have centres in Kimwanyi and Nakweero communities where they provide porridge to vulnerable children to keep them in schools, especially children in public schools.
Allan forwarded a list of 45 teenagers whom he had organised at Kimwanyi porridge centre, but when the team arrived, there were over 50 children present. Olivia started the session with the girls that involved training on how to use the reusable pads, personal hygiene and their uniqueness as God’s creations compared to boys. The girls enjoyed the session and were very appreciative for the reusable pads since most of them had been using old clothes and only occasionally, they could afford pads though it was on rare occasions.
Olivia requested the girls to provide feedback to Allan after three months of use, which will be used to get more pads to support other girls in need. Allan agreed to collect feedback on our behalf at least for three girls after three months.
Conclusion
Olivia commented “It was a great interactive session and most of the girls participated in giving answers. Thank you all for the support towards, keeping a girl child at school.”