It was a day of joy and excitement at St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary School when a generous donation of AFRIPADs arrived, bringing much-needed relief to the girls at the school. The donation, made by AFRIPADS, with support from SIMAVI and JESE focused on supporting menstrual health and hygiene, came as part of an initiative to empower girls and ensure their uninterrupted participation in education.
For years, many girls at the rural Kyamatanga primary school faced challenges that affected their ability to attend classes regularly, especially during their menstrual cycles. Lack of access to affordable and reusable sanitary products often forced them to miss school, falling behind in their studies and struggling with confidence
St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary School is located in the Kyamatanga cell. Rwesenene ward, Buheesi Town Council Bunyangabu District. The school has a total population of about 1340 pupils, 612 of whom are girls and 890 of whom are boys.
AFRIPAD distributed donations to over 189 girls. On 17th October 2024, JESE and a team from AFRI Pad visited the school. During the visit, girls from primary four to seven were selected to attend a training and demonstration on how to use reusable sanitary pads. Hygiene was emphasized, and girls were encouraged to wash the reusable pads before starting to use them. They were also oriented on the steps to undertake when washing the used pads.
“When washing the used pads, ensure that there is no soap or blood left then dry it under the sun.” Said Patricia Humura from AFRIPADs.
The demonstration sessions were very participatory, and several pupils took part in the training. About 10 (02 males & 08 females) teachers participated in the training.
The Senior Women Teacher shared that attendance has not been the same. Parents are faced with high expenditures, which has led to pupil absenteeism. With the donations, which included underwear, a pack containing 5 reusable pads, and a booklet given to the pupils, the Senior Women Teacher believes that attendance will improve.
“For our pupils who have been absent due to lack of pads during menstrual periods, we are very happy for the support.” Said Stella Kajoina, a Senior Woman Teacher, at St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary school.
Stella believes that hygiene will improve among their pupils with the additional donations received. “Some of our pupils have been using one pad for a whole day. With the additional support, their hygiene will improve.” Adds Stella.
