Sanitary Towel Drive Report at Buoye Primary School Date: 24th June 2024

On 24th June 2024, Buoye Primary School hosted a highly impactful sanitary towel drive, supplying 100 girls from grades 7 and 8 with sanitary towels to last them three months. The initiative aimed to address several challenges faced by the girls, including stigmatization around menstruation, poverty limiting access to sanitary products, and the lack of availability of quality pads.

In addition to the provision of sanitary towels, the event included educational sessions for both boys and girls. These sessions focused on drug and substance use and abuse, sexual and reproductive health, and making informed personal health choices under the theme "My Health, My Choice." The discussions also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as a means of empowerment and creating better futures. By involving both boys and girls in these dialogues, the event sought to foster mutual understanding and respect, breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoting a culture of openness and support.

Through these discussions, we addressed not only the immediate physical needs of the girls but also the broader social challenges they face, such as stigmatization, girlfriend-boyfriend relationships, teen pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and early initiation into family planning programs. The awareness sessions provided the students with vital information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

To mark the day and symbolize the start of a new community dialogue on these important issues, a tree-planting session was held after the educational programs. Together, the #students, #teachers, and #community members planted 400 trees, each representing growth, hope, and a commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for all children at Buoye Primary School.

Vote of Thanks from the School President, Beverly

"On behalf of the students of Buoye Primary School, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the organizers, donors, and volunteers who made today's sanitary towel drive possible. Your generosity and dedication have made a significant difference in our lives.

The provision of sanitary towels will ensure that we, the girls, can manage our menstruation with dignity and attend school regularly, without fear of embarrassment or stigma. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn about our health and choices, which empowers us to make informed decisions about our futures.

I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the awareness sessions. The knowledge shared on drug and substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and entrepreneurship has opened our eyes to new possibilities and has strengthened our resolve to pursue our dreams.

Thank you for including the boys in these conversations, as it has helped them understand the challenges we face and the importance of standing together in support of one another.

Finally, the tree planting was a beautiful way to end the day, symbolizing our growth as a community committed to nurturing and supporting each other. These trees will grow as reminders of today’s lessons and the hope we have for a brighter, more inclusive future.

We are sincerely thankful for your support and dedication to improving our lives. May you be blessed for your kindness and continued commitment to our well-being and education.

Thank you."

As we left the compound on the steep slopes of the Buoye hill, I looked back at the more grown state of education from vernacular-speaking school to a modern education state still crippling with its fair share of the rural locality. Follow-up measures have been proposed and underway to realize the full impact desired to be achieved.