In Nakivale, nearly half the population are kids of school-going age. The challenges of just getting to school and being able to afford the materials cause many to dropout. In fact, the largest rate of dropout is among students moving on to secondary school. Less than 10% of kids who go to primary school continue on with their education. Many who dropout before secondary school are girls – and the reason for that is often very simple.
“They get their periods,” explained Sonia, ARC Protection Officer, “and it can be difficult to continue going to school.”
Sonia meets young girls faced with this decision each and every day. She wanted to do something that would encourage girls to stay in school. She knew that a few simple supplies could make the decision to stay in school an easy one for young girls.
So, we visited the PS7 class (equivalent of 6th grade in the US) at Kashojwa Primary School. We brought 100 kits, filled with reusable sanitary pads, laundry soap, body soap, and deodorant. It may seem like a little thing, but many girls expressed shame from stained dresses, or embarrassment from having to stay at home when menstruating.
They were shy at first, but became excited when each girl was presented with her very own bag of supplies. You could see the pride in their eyes. “I am trying my best to stay in school,” one girl said. “Boys will not shame me now. Now I want to continue.”
