The Wakesho Foundation, in collaboration with PolycomGirls and menstrual hygiene activist Tony Olela, recently donated sanitary towels to Sungululu and Nyambu Primary Schools in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County.
This initiative aims to ensure that girls have access to essential menstrual hygiene products, thereby promoting their academic success.
The event, held in Sungululu Primary School’s assembly ground, served as a beacon of hope for the young girls, many of whom face challenges in accessing these critical products.
Sycilia Wakesho, founder of the Wakesho Foundation and an alumna of Sungululu Primary School, emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene, not only for health reasons but also as a key factor in keeping girls in school throughout the month.
Statistics indicate that many girls in rural areas of Kenya miss school during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of access to sanitary towels, impacting their academic performance and confidence.
Wakesho reflected on the challenges faced by many girls, stating, “Sometimes we have to use clothes or miss school due to the lack of pads until our periods end, which affects our performance.”
She also discouraged the girls from engaging in activities that could lead to early pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their education.
“Your future is bright, but early pregnancies can hold you back. Stay dedicated to your studies and make choices that help you achieve your dreams,” Wakesho urged.
In addition to distributing sanitary pads, Wakesho engaged with the students, offering words of encouragement and inspiration.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow, and with determination, there is nothing you cannot achieve,” she told them.
In response to Wakesho’s initiative, Sungululu Primary School Deputy Head Teacher Mrs. Taricilla Mwashimba expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the positive impact it would have on the girls’ confidence and academic performance.
“Your support ensures our girls can attend school with dignity and confidence,” Mrs. Mwashimba said.
She also emphasized that Wakesho’s initiative is vital in supporting girls’ education, especially in rural areas where access to menstrual products is often limited.
Mrs. Mwashimba urged Wakesho to extend her support to boys, noting that the boy child is often overlooked in similar projects.
“While the needs of the girls are critical, we must also ensure that boys are not left behind. They too need our guidance and support to navigate their challenges and succeed,” she added.
Miss Grace Mwasho, a teacher at Nyambu Primary School, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the provision of sanitary pads would inspire the girls to stay focused and work harder in their studies.
Betty Mwakio, the school president at Sungululu Primary School, shared her appreciation for the donation, highlighting its positive impact on their confidence.
“Having these pads means we can attend school confidently and not feel ashamed during our periods,” Betty said.
This donation is part of a broader effort to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that no girl feels ashamed or left behind.
