In a way to address challenges facing girl child in Ekambuli village of Khwisero Constituency in Kakamega County, philanthropist Pamela Ayuma Ambundo has partnered with HEART Africa Organization towards supply of sanitary pads to the girls at Ekambuli Secondary School.
Pamela who was born and raised in Ekambuli Village says there has been a dire need for the supply of the commodities to girls especially after it emerged that majority are from humble backgrounds with parents struggling to make ends meet.
She adds that the gesture was prompted by the fact that her dad was an alumni of the school and always wanted to ensure the name of the school is in good books.
Speaking at the school on December 10, 2024 during an activity to distribute the free sanitary pads to the girls, Pamela noted that majority of girls miss school during their menstruation period to avert shame and stigma due to lack of sanitary pads.
She was quick to point out that even though the Kenyan government has been trying to have sanitary pads distributed in schools, the program has faced numerous challenges among them corruption hence not achieving the expected results leaving girls vulnerable.
According to Pamela, there is need to pull resources together towards free sanitary pads distribution in schools.
“Even though Kenya government is trying to distribute sanitary pads, corruption remains a challenge. The cost has been rising making it less accessible to many girls from humble backgrounds. It is therefore a call to action. What can we do to help the situation? We need to pull resources together from all well-wishers and help keep our girls in schools,” she stated.
During the event, Pamela who currently lives in USA affirmed her commitment towards the initiative vowing to work closely with like-minded individuals towards keeping girls in schools.
On her part, Sally Kamau from Africa HEART Organization lauded the partnership between the Organization and Africa HEART adding that it will go a long way in safeguarding the rights of girl child.
Under the Freedom for Girls Project, Sally says the Organization continues to reach out to adolescent vulnerable girls especially during their menstrual days in various counties.
“We are working to ensure that the girls are confident even during their menstruation period and that they remain in schools,” she stated.
While noting that there is huge need to reach out to the vulnerable girls in various communities, Sally lauded Pamela for the gesture of giving back to society through the partnership.
According to her, the need cuts across rural and urban areas especially in the slum areas where poverty levels are high.
She called for need to sensitize the society so as to avert the stigma and shame that has always been there for the girl child.
“There is need to sensitize the society in order to end the stigma that comes with menstruation,” stated Sally.
During the event, over 200 girls received a sanitary pack that will see them for one year hence keeping them in schools.
Ekambuli Secondary School Principal Mr. Oyando Sunguti revealed that the school has enrollment of 312 girls.
According to him, absenteeism has been observed where several girls miss school during the menstruation days due to lack of sanitary pads.
He was however quick to note that with the partnership, there is hope for the girls adding that it will help address the vulnerability of the girls.
“This is now the solution to the missing link that has been there. We are sure that they will now be in school throughout. I believe this is the way to go,” stated Mr. Oyando.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.