In Samburu, northern Kenya, menstruation amongst adolescent girls is an expensive affair which many cannot afford. Lack of money for sanitary towels means that some girls still resort to unhygienic and ineffective cultural practices. During their menses, girls opt to stay out of school because of fear, shame, and a sense of low self-dignity.
As part of our quest to support the education and welfare of girls in northern Kenya, STE’s education team in partnership with Padmad Kenya, recently reached out to over 200 girls across our partner primary schools Lorubae, Lderkesi, and Attan. The girls received quality, washable and reusable cotton sanitary pads that will last for five years.
Throughout the exercise, our education officers Rose Lempate and George Mugera alongside the teachers, engaged the girls in important lessons about adolescence and menstrual hygiene. These are sensitive conversations that many parents shy away from. As a result, many lack self-awareness and guidance which sometimes leads to increased forced marriages and early pregnancies.
Thanks to the generous support of Capricorn Foundation, we were able to empower and uplift these young girls, put a smile on their faces and give them a dignified education.
If you wish to improve the lives of girls and school children in northern Kenya donate to the education programme here.
