EMPOWER AND EDUCATE VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

Report: Breaking the Period Barrier
Theme: Free Pads and Knowledge for Girls at Gaba Hope for Kids

1. Introduction
At Gaba Hope for Kids, we work with orphaned and vulnerable girls aged 10-16 in rural villages. For many, menstruation is a hidden barrier to education, dignity, and participation. Lack of pads, clean water, and accurate information forces girls to miss school each month or drop out entirely.

This report explains how providing free menstrual pads combined with practical knowledge helps girls stay in school, protect their health, and build confidence.

2. Why Breaking the Period Barrier Matters
Education Continuity: Girls miss 3-5 school days per month without menstrual supplies. Over a year, that’s up to 20% of learning time lost.
Health and Safety: Reusing unclean materials or using unsafe alternatives increases infection risk. Knowledge about hygiene reduces these risks.
Dignity and Confidence: Shame and stigma around periods lead girls to avoid class, sports, and social activities. Open conversations and access to pads restore confidence.
Gender Equity: Keeping girls in school longer improves their chances for skills training, income, and leadership in their communities.

3. What We Are Doing
Free Pad Distribution
- Provide reusable and disposable pads to 60 girls each term
- Include small hygiene kits with soap, underwear, and storage bags

Menstrual Health Education
- Run monthly sessions on menstruation, hygiene, pain management, and myth-busting
- Train peer mentors to create safe spaces for questions and support

School and Community Engagement
- Work with teachers to ensure private, clean sanitation spaces are available
- Engage caregivers and male students to reduce stigma and build support at home

Integration with Mentorship
- Link menstrual health topics to broader life skills: goal-setting, communication, and self-advocacy
- Track attendance and participation to measure impact

4. Results So Far
- 45 girls regularly receiving pads and attending education sessions
- School attendance among supported girls increased by 18% in 4 months
- Fewer reports of girls missing school during menstruation
- Positive feedback from caregivers noting improved confidence and openness to discuss health at home

5. Challenges
- Cost of pads and hygiene materials makes consistent supply difficult
- Cultural stigma still limits open conversations in some households
- Limited access to clean water and private toilets in some schools
- Need for more trained facilitators to run sessions safely and effectively

6. Next Steps and Support Needed
To reach 120 girls and sustain the program, we plan to:

1. Supply Chain: Secure 6 months of pads and hygiene kits. 
2. Training: Run a 2-day workshop for 10 peer mentors and facilitators on menstrual health and safeguarding. 
3. Infrastructure Support: Partner with schools to improve access to water and private sanitation spaces
4. Monitoring: Track attendance, health outcomes, and feedback from girls and caregivers quarterly

7. Conclusion
Periods should never be a reason for a girl to miss school or lose confidence. By combining free pads with knowledge and open conversation, we break the barrier that holds girls back.

Call to Action
Support the “Breaking the Period Barrier” initiative at Gaba Hope for Kids. Your contribution gives a girl the supplies and knowledge to stay in school with dignity every month.