Reusable pads to Keep 100 Ugandan Girls in School

Over the past reporting period, the Health periods, brighter futures project has continued to strengthen menstrual hygiene management for 60 primary school girls at Future Stars Preparatory Schools Nursery and Primary. The project remains focused on ensuring that girls have access to sanitary pads, safe changing spaces, and age-appropriate menstrual health education delivered by trained teachers. These efforts are improving girls’ dignity, confidence, and participation in school key factors in advancing girl-child education and retention. Despite limited resources, the school community has demonstrated strong commitment and ownership, showing that even small interventions can trigger meaningful, long-lasting change.

The project has addressed persistent challenges such as lack of sanitary pads, inadequate facilities, and stigma, all of which contribute to absenteeism, poor academic performance, and low self-esteem among young girls. Through the distribution of sanitary pads, continued hygiene education for Primary 4–7, and consistent maintenance of girls’ changing rooms, the project has given girls the tools they need to manage their periods safely and comfortably while in school. Group sessions on reproductive health and one-on-one counselling have further supported the girls emotionally, helping them understand their bodies, reduce fear, and grow in confidence.

Although the overall project budget is $2,990 only $1 has so far been raised on GlobalGiving. These funds were efficiently utilized to purchase sanitary pads kept at the school for emergency use especially for day scholars who often arrive unprepared. Even with this limited support, the impact has been visible: girls feel more secure attending school during their menstrual periods, reducing disruptions to their learning and well-being. The project continues to demonstrate high value even at a minimal cost and remains positioned for greater transformation with additional donor support.

Looking ahead, the next phase will prioritize training girls and teachers in the production of reusable sanitary pads a sustainable, low-cost solution that will significantly reduce dependency on purchased pads and strengthen long-term resilience. With continued partner support, the project will scale its impact, ensuring that every girl in the school, and eventually in neighboring schools, has the knowledge, materials, and confidence to stay healthy and remain in class. By investing in menstrual hygiene today, we are shaping a stronger, more educated generation of empowered young women.