Tabani Friends Secondary School in Tongaren has launched a menstrual and health empowerment initiatives to tame dropout and early pregancies among its female students.
The initiatives cames in the wake of a worrying report by Africa Population and Health Centre that 13,000 girls drop out of school due to pregnancy.
Dubbed as rescue Girls from dropping out of school, the initiatives involves a comprehensive sexuality education and sanitary pads and towels provision geared towards prevention of early sex initiation among the girls.
Under the programme the school management led by the principal Joseph Gisemba reached out to change makers and supportive entities to donate basic needs for the girls to ensure they are in school.
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According to Gisemba, the support includes scholarship for girls from vulnerable families.
The Executive Principal of Makini School, Jackline Aminga who presided over the launch termed the initiatives as a game changer for over 500 girls at the school.
Stressing the importance of supporting girl child education, Aminga noted that a girl is the heartbeat of the community and critical in poverty alleviation.
“This is a significant mileage to bring hope to many families. The initiatives is a wide scope to light the community through education to a girl,” said Aminga.
Innocent Bichange, the Principal St Lukes Kimilili Boys also discouraged boys at the school from taking advantage of the vulnerability of the girls to abuse them sexually instead support them to complete their education.
The Makini school head also noted that the poverty has stripped off the dignity of many girls and denied them the opportunity to pursue their dreams
While urging for the protection of girl child, Aminga observed that the education of girls child is at risk unless they are supported during menstrual period.
In order to provide girl an equal education opportunity, there is need for policy makers to ensure their basic requirements such as sanitary pads and towels are made available.
She discouraged men from taking advantage of the vulnerable girls to sexually exploit them but instead support them to realize their respective aspirations.
“Men you have a duty to support these girls to pursue their dreams and bring light in the community. Please let us support them instead of preying them for sex,” she said.
Aminga urged the girls to set their goals and develop discipline as a gateway to success challenging them to remain focused.
”Let nothing define your future. Raise above these challenges and be determined to shape your future through education,” she added.
Gisemba said most of the girls hails from poor families and are unable to afford sanitary towels.
“In the recent last we have seen girls drop out of school when they are experiencing menstrual period and some end up discontinuing education after pregnancy and we thought of seeking support to keep them in school,” said Gisemba.
Elizabeth Werunga, 77, a former teacher who was among those who donated basic needs for the girls termed the initiatives as key empowerment tool for the girls.
By Obare Osinde
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