End Period Poverty: Help Keep 2000 Girls in School

1. Project Overview

The Girls' Education and WASH Project continues to address barriers that prevent school-going girls in Kisii County from accessing quality education. Through the provision of sanitary wares, hygiene education, and improved sanitation infrastructure, the project seeks to reduce absenteeism, enhance academic performance, and promote dignity and confidence among girls. During the first quarter of 2026, our focus was on expanding beneficiary support, strengthening school partnerships, and laying the groundwork for the construction of a second gender-segregated toilet block.

2. Progress Summary

Funds Raised: USD 1,000

Girls Sponsored: 15

Activities Completed: 4

Key Activities

Sanitary Ware and Hygiene Kit Distribution

• Sponsored 15 girls from underserved schools across Kisii County with sanitary wares, reusable menstrual hygiene kits, soap, and hygiene supplies.

• Conducted follow-up sessions with previous beneficiaries to assess utilization and impact.

Menstrual Health and Hygiene Training

• Organized hygiene education sessions in three partner schools, reaching over 120 girls and 20 teachers.

• Topics covered included menstrual hygiene management, personal hygiene, nutrition, and self-esteem.

Teacher Champion Program Launch

• Introduced a pilot WASH Champion initiative involving 10 teachers who will support menstrual health awareness and hygiene education within their schools.

Infrastructure Planning

• Completed site assessment, design review, and stakeholder consultations for the construction of a second gender-segregated toilet block at Nyanturago Primary School.

• Secured community support and preliminary commitments from local leaders to assist with project implementation.

3. Impact HighlightsBeneficiary Outcomes

• Girls supported through the project reported increased confidence and regular school attendance during their menstrual cycles.

• Teachers observed improved classroom participation and engagement among beneficiaries.

• Schools participating in the hygiene education program reported increased awareness of menstrual health issues among both students and staff.

Community Engagement

• Parents and community leaders demonstrated greater support for girls' education and sanitation initiatives through school meetings and community forums.

• The success of the toilet block at Kerongo Primary School continues to inspire neighboring schools to advocate for improved sanitation facilities.

4. ChallengesGrowing Demand

The number of girls requiring support continues to increase, with many schools requesting inclusion in the program.

Funding Constraints

Available resources remain insufficient to meet the growing demand for sanitary kits, hygiene education, and sanitation infrastructure.

Rising Construction Costs

Inflation and increasing material costs have affected projected budgets for planned sanitation facilities.

Cultural Stigma

Although progress has been made, misconceptions surrounding menstruation remain prevalent in some communities, requiring sustained awareness efforts.

5. Next Steps (Q2 2026)

• Commence construction of the gender-segregated toilet block at Nyanturago Primary School.

• Expand sanitary kit distribution to reach at least 20 additional girls.

• Scale up the Teacher WASH Champion Program to more schools.

• Conduct parental engagement forums focusing on menstrual health and girls' education.

• Strengthen partnerships with local government departments and development partners to support sustainability.

6. Long-Term Goals

By the end of 2026, the project aims to:

• Support at least 100 girls with sanitary wares and hygiene education.

• Construct three gender-segregated toilet blocks in high-need schools.

• Establish school-based WASH committees to maintain facilities and promote hygiene practices.

• Develop a sustainable local sponsorship model to support girls' education and menstrual health needs.

7. Appreciation

We extend our sincere gratitude to all donors, volunteers, teachers, community leaders, and partners who continue to support this initiative. Your contributions are helping girls remain in school, pursue their education with confidence, and build brighter futures.

Together, we are transforming sanitation from a challenge into an opportunity for education, dignity, and empowerment.

Thank you for standing with the girls of Kisii County.