By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
The Rotary Club of Accra Airport City has donated sanitary products to Prampram D.A. Basic School pupils.
This initiative aims to support and educate young girls on the importance of menstrual hygiene. Also, the initiative is aimed at ensuring they have the necessary resources to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
On May 17, 2024, members of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport City visited Prampram D.A. Basic School to hand out menstrual hygiene kits, which are designed to last the pupils for three months.
The educational session
The distribution event was marked by a warm reception from the school administration, teachers, and students, who expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.
The initiative not only provides sanitary pads but also includes educational sessions on menstrual health.
The Rotary Club of Accra Airport City believes that education and access to hygiene products are vital components in improving the well-being and academic performance of young girls.
Point of View By President of Rotary Club of Accra Airport City
Speaking to Raymond News, the President of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport City, Rotarian Sylvia-Clare Fordjour said the club is delighted to support these young girls and help them understand that menstruation is a natural and manageable part of life.
“Menstruation is always surrounded by stigma in many schools especially in the rural areas. Distributing menstrual products in schools is a form of helping break down stigma and also open discussions about periods,” she said.
Additionally, she added ” Access to menstrual hygiene products is essential for maintaining good hygiene. We are also helping to ensure that students can healthily manage their periods. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products can lead to school absenteeism among girls. We are helping to ensure that girls do not miss school due to their periods. Empowering girls to manage their periods with confidence and dignity. We believe this exercise is a good initiative that can have a positive impact on all girls”.
Selection of schools by the Rotary Club of Accra Airport City
Speaking on how the club selects the school for the distribution, Rotarian Sylvia-Clare Fordjour said “ A lot of schools came up and we also looked at where the distribution can make more impact so we conducted the Needs Assessment and agreed on the Prampram D.A. Basic School”.
The success of the event
On the success of the event, the Rotarian president said “The participation rates of the Students, especially the girls as well as their teachers was very much encouraging and the positive expression and energy. We also got positive feedback from the girls and the teachers”.
Impact of the sanitary products on the girls
Touching on the impact of the items distributed, Rotarian president Sylvia-Clare Fordjour said “The items will help the girls maintain better menstrual hygiene. It will also help them attend school regularly in their period. It can boost their confidence and self-esteem and allow them to participate fully in school activities and engage with their peers without discomfort. The 3 month supply of sanitary items will positively impact their health and education and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society”
The continuous expectation
According to the Rotarian President Sylvia-Clare Fordjour, ” You can expect the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport City to continue its commitment to service and community development. We shall continue to promote Basic Education, Maternal and child health, Economic and community development, Water and Sanitation, Disease prevention and treatment, Peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and Environment. All these are our 7 areas of focus”.
Reaction from school management
For her part, the headteacher of Prampram D/A Basic A, Mrs. Philomina Amatei describes the initiative as timely saying attendance can improve, and the girls can be more confident to engage in their studies..
Conclusion
All in all, over 250 pupils benefitted from the Pad a Girl initiative – an initiative that commits the Rotary Club of Accra Airport City to make a lasting positive impact in the community.