SANITARY TOWELS FOR GIRLS IN RURAL SCHOOLS

Dear Esteemed Donors,

We are writing to provide an update on our recent visit to Mugusu Primary School, where we conducted an important educational session on menstrual hygiene, health, and menstruation. This initiative, supported by your generous contributions, is part of our ongoing mission to ensure that young girls, especially those in rural areas, have access to the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.

On 20th March, 2025, Our team, visited Mugusu Primary School in Kabarole District. The goal of our visit was to address the common challenges young girls face in managing menstruation, such as stigma, limited access to menstrual products, and inadequate hygiene practices. We began with an interactive discussion on menstrual health, educating students about the biological aspects of menstruation, the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene, and how to manage hygiene during menstruation. Our objective was to empower the students to feel more comfortable discussing menstruation, reduce stigma, and encourage healthy practices for their well-being.

During the session, we explained the biological process of menstruation and highlighted that it is a natural and healthy part of a woman’s life. We also shared practical tips on managing menstruation hygienically, including the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads and the importance of keeping clean during menstruation. We raised awareness about the health risks of poor menstrual hygiene, such as infections, and discussed how proper hygiene can help prevent these issues. We also spoke openly about the societal taboos surrounding menstruation, encouraging conversations free from stigma among students, teachers, and parents.

As part of our effort to provide essential resources, we distributed menstrual hygiene kits to the girls. Each kit contained reusable sanitary pads, knickers, booklets, and bags to help the girls manage menstruation hygienically for an extended period. These kits were given to girls in need, ensuring that they no longer had to miss school or endure discomfort due to lack of menstrual products.

The response from both the students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Many girls expressed their gratitude, mentioning that it was the first time they had learned about menstruation and hygiene in such detail. Teachers also appreciated the session, as it gave them the knowledge to better support their students in managing menstrual health. One teacher remarked, “This session has opened our eyes to the challenges our girls face. We didn’t realize how much stigma and lack of education were affecting them. We are grateful for this program and the resources you’ve provided.”

This visit is part of a larger effort to reach more schools and communities with important menstrual health education and products. We are working to expand our outreach, provide more educational programs, and distribute more menstrual hygiene kits to girls in need. We are also exploring ways to partner with local health centers and community leaders to ensure long-term support for menstrual health after our initial visit.

On behalf of the entire Joy for Children Uganda team, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support. Your generous contributions make these crucial programs possible, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of young girls across Uganda. We look forward to sharing more success stories with you and hope that we can count on your ongoing support as we expand our impact.

Thank you for standing with us and the children of Uganda.