By Patrick Obia
In a bid to ensure proper menstrual hygiene practices among teenagers, the Professor Charles Effiong Foundation, on Thursday, took their campaign on teaching young girls on the use of reusable pads to the Government Technical College, Mayne Avenue in Calabar.
This was part of the activities marking the 2021 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme: “More Action and Investment on Menstrual Hygiene and Health” and the foundation taught the girls facts about pre, during and post menstrual periods.
The girls who were drawn from junior and senior classes were also taught how to make Do It Yourself (DIY)-reusable pads.
“The choice of choosing GTC Mayne avenue is borne out of the fact that, one of the initiators of this program is an old student of this school and it’s a way of giving back to her alma mater, so we decided to make it a partner with them to mark the day,” said Obase Okanke Ofem, the Executive Director of the foundation.
He told this reporter after the event that: “I saw the enthusiasm of the teachers and students and we are hoping that, after now, they are going to sustain some of the things we have started today and that is because they are part of all what we have done; it’s all part of capacity building.”
The basic science teacher in the school, Mrs. Irene Abang commended the foundation and pledged that the school will put into practice what was learnt at the sensitization session.
“I teach basic science. This sensitization has made me understand that I need to add sanitary pads to my first aid box in case a girl child comes to school I hand it over; there are some ones in my class that are eight and nine years old and they have not heard anything about menses. So, from what I have learnt today, I will inform the school that our first aid box needs to have sanitary pads in case a girl child comes to school and has menstrual cramps.
“We say God bless them for reaching out to Government Technical College Mayne Avenue, they should keep on working, visiting schools with enlightening programs that will really bring awareness to those that don’t really know.”
Below are scenes from the sensitization session…
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