The journey of ensuring vulnerable girl-child remains in school even during her menstruation days has received a major boost in Eldama-Ravine, Baringo County following a launch of free sanitary pads distribution centre.
This is a partnership between HEART Africa Organization, SOAR Kenya Academy free sanitary pads distribution centre and Rotary Club(Nakuru and Eldama-Ravine Clubs).
Speaking on March 15, 2024 during the launch at St.Patrick Secondary School in Eldama-Ravine, Baringo County, Sally Kamau who is the Co-ordinator Freedom For Girls’ Project at HEART Africa Organization said this is a plus in ensuring girls remain in school.
She pointed out that vulnerable girls at grassroot level have continued to suffer during menstruation as majority cannot access sanitary pads leading to most of them missing school.
According to Sally, HEART Africa Organization shall continue to partner with other well wishers in ensuring these vulnerable group get the one-year sanitary pack that costs KSh 850.
In doing so she says, vulnerable girls will be able to access sanitary pads and stay in school hence realize their dreams.
“We are here in Eldama-Ravine Baringo County for the first time just to launch the distribution of the free sanitary pads to our girls. We want them to be in school and not miss out even single day due to lack of sanitary pads,” she said.
Sentiments echoed by James Yegon who is the Director SOAR Kenya Academy.
It should be noted that SOAR Kenya Community Foundation also serves as free sanitary pads distribution centre in Nakuru West’s Barut Ward.
Yegon who also doubles up as the current President Rotary Club Nakuru, lauded the launch of distribution centre in Eldama-Ravine saying it will help vulnerable girls in Baringo County access the pads.
While thanking donors for their continued support towards the same, Yegon urged other stakeholders to also step up to make the lives of vulnerable girls also count.
“We request well wishers to come and join us because what we are donating is not enough as the need is very huge,” he stated.
While terming Rotary Club of Ravine as one that was birthed by Rotary Club of Nakuru, Yegon assured of continued collaboration.
The host Rotary Club of Eldama-Ravine’s President-elect Rose Omango welcomed the move taken by HEART Africa Organization and Rotary Club of Nakuru in giving support to vulnerable girls in Baringo County.
She revealed that for many households, sanitary pads which should be essential is now seen as secondary due to lack of financial muscles.
“When you come to grassroot level, you will realize that most girls are vulnerable.When they cannot afford the pads, then to avert shame they stay at home hence miss school which has replica on performance,” she said.
During the launch of the distribution centre, a number of vulnerable girls from three schools in Eldama-Ravine who gathered at St.Patrick Secondary School were taken through Menstrual Hygiene Management.
They were later given sanitary packs that will serve them for one year.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.