Sanitary Pads Keep Ugandan Girls in School

In December, we wrapped up another school year in Uganda. Over the past year, we directly trained 559 students across 16 schools to make affordable reusable menstrual pads (RUMPs) in our after-school health clubs. Our past surveys show that this program keeps girls in school (e.g., 82% of girls said that after learning how to make RUMPs, they never missed school because of their periods). Our skill-building also goes beyond our trainings, since 68% of trainees went on to train other friends and family members to make RUMPs. Our RUMPs trainings are part of our larger, holistic health program which educates girls and boys about puberty, reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition, and the prevention of diseases common in our part of Uganda (e.g., malaria, HIV). Our clubs also facilitate medical services for students, such as government vaccinations. All of this work is aimed at keeping kids healthy and in school.

However, this goal is not possible without buy-in from parents. Parental outreach is therefore a key component to our programming, and we engage with parents in several ways. At the beginning of the school year, we meet with parents to explain and discuss what will be taught in our health clubs. At the end of the school year, students also participate in a “showcase” where they demonstrate to their parents what they learned. In December, nearly 2,000 parents and 3,100 children attended the showcases. We find that these events create interest in our health club activities, such as RUMPs trainings, and make it more likely that what is taught is implemented and supported at home. We also lead a program for parents which educates about reproductive health and, importantly, how to talk to their kids about it. In 2024, as part of this effort, we distributed 1,000 parental handbooks to participants of this program as well as to school libraries so parents can use the handbooks as a resource for engaging with their kids.

We're grateful for your ongoing support and for being part of our GlobalGiving community. We are looking forward to another impactful year ahead for Ugandan girls! 

Links:

• Kasiisi Project website

We have been partnering with GlobalGiving for over 15 years on our project to train Ugandan girls to make Reusable Menstrual Pads (also known as RUMPs). This training provide girls with an easy and affordable way to effectively manage their menstruation so their periods will no longer force them to stay home from school and disrupt their learning. 

Each year, 500-900 students (girls and boys) learn how to make RUMPs through trainings in our after-school health clubs. So far, in 2024, 559 students have been trained. We know our reach goes well beyond our trainings, however, since 68% of our trainees go on to teach others how to make RUMPs, especially their sisters. This program has proven to be impactful, too, as 82% of the 400 girls surveyed said that after learning to make RUMPs, they never missed school because of their periods.

We are grateful to supporters like you who have made this project possible. You have positively impacted the education and lives of girls in our 16 partner schools! We wanted to give you a window into our trainings by explaining the steps involved in making a RUMP.

How to Make a RUMP

1. Gather materials – The following is needed: cotton fabric, absorbent fabric (such as a towel), plastic material, thread, needle, and a button. The cost per RUMP is 1,000-3,000 Ugandan schillings or around $0.30-0.80. A well-made pad can be used for up to 1 year before replacing.
2. Make the template - We provide trainees with templates printed on a piece of paper and they trace these onto a piece of recycled cardboard. We use a pad design with “wings” to minimize leakage.
3. Cut out the fabric – Using the cardboard template and chalk, trace the pattern onto the cotton fabric twice to make two layers. Trace the non-winged template onto the plastic material.
4. Make the straps - Arrange the strap template on the cotton fabric then trace and cut out the pieces. Fold the strap pieces in half and hand sew along the open side, then turn them inside out.
5. Sew the plastic to the pad - Place the plastic on top of the cotton fabric and sew the long edges of the plastic to the cotton. There will not be plastic covering the wings of the pad.
6. Arrange all of your pieces and sew together: Start sewing the pads together at the strap. Make sure the straps are on the same side of fabric as the stitched-on plastic. Turn the pad inside out. Sew the open end of the pad, then stitch around the edge of the entire pad. 
7. Sew on the button - Make one buttonhole with a scissor or a razor blade by folding one wing and cutting it. Make sure the buttonhole is near the edge of the wing. Secure it by reinforcing the hole with simple stiches along its edge. Sew one button onto the other wing in the same place. The button is used to hold the RUMP in place by the wings.
8. Make the liner - Cut the towel into squares that fit into the pad. Sew along the edges of the towel because the edges will fray with time. We prefer to leave the liners in one layer because they dry faster this way. Girls will change the liners throughout the day as needed.

Links:

• Kasiisi Project website