One Girl,One Pad, One sucess story at a time!

“No one had informed me about menstrual cycle until it occurred to me for the first time, last year in class. I did not know what was happening in my life. I had bleeding that stained my school uniform. I felt so embarrassed and rushed to Mrs. Mutitima who locked me in the staff room and later bought Sanitary pads for me” These are words of Kawila a class 7 pupil from Uvaani primary school during our Sanitary pads and underwear’s distribution project at Kitui County on 19^th May 20, 2016 at Kangondi Primary School. Kawila added “, As an orphan I stay with my grandmother who struggles so much to pay my fees and cannot afford to buy me sanitary pads that is why I don’t have a choice than to use a rag or cloth during my periods”

We reached out to 10 primary schools with over 500 girls. Each girl received 3 packets of sanitary pads and 2 inner wears to last an entire school term. There was a lot of excitement from the girls and they received us well. All the 500 girls were accompanied by their teachers. Volunteers came on board to participate during the project. Mentorship is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction -  John C. Crosby. Girls received mentorship, communication and leadership skills courtesy of Mfariji Clubs. We taught them on how to be confident in their lives, uplifting their self-esteem and how to express themselves without fear.

Mentorship also included training of girls on how to use sanitary pads and maintain high level of hygiene during menstrual periods. After the training session, we got representatives from the girls who confidently show cased how to use the pads. “It was so great for me for to learn on how to use Sanitary towels without assuming and even helping teach the other girls”, Said Monica, a class 8 pupil from Mavalo primary school.

“Girls stand up to be counted and be courageous enough to talk in front of the people without feeling shy. Working hard in your studies will grant you an opportunity to live your dreams. Self-esteem is not a product we can purchase, it is a continuous process we must exercise everyday”, Winny a mentor from Mfariji Africa speaking during the interactive session. Alex the M & E officer for Mfariji Africa cited to the girls, “Since you are already in school, that makes you a better person, always focus on your education”.

Since the inception of Mfariji Africa, over 3500 girls have benefited from Sanitary sanity campaign and Mfariji Clubs. We have ensured girls can finish school without missing classes due to periods. Empowering them with knowledge about leadership skills has transformed their lives since they can express their views confidently. “From last time you came I have kept memorizing all what you taught us about confidence and self-esteem, I am no longer shy approaching my teachers or my parents”, Monica