Keeping Girls in School
Sanitary Care Project Reproductive health
Makapad – Sanitary Care and Health Campaign
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Many girls in Uganda are forced to drop out of school when they reach puberty as they cannot afford the basic sanitary care and hygiene. Some have no option but to go home and sit in the sand for a week, missing important classes and exams. Girls managing to continue with their schooling might be teased by the boys, as still this natural cycle is perceived in a negative way, something ‘dirty’, and can often lead to embarrassment for the females, resulting in a drop in the girls’ attendance.
Each of approximately 200 senior schoolgirls attending Kabungo Secondary School, Masaka and in St Francis Primary School, Masaka receive pack of Makapads, and underpants, keeping them in class each year. We also provide sanitary care for all our senior girls in the Gift of Education Project.
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Makapads are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and hygienic. They were designed and manufactured at Makerere University in Uganda. They are completely natural, made from Papyrus and paper waste. Popular due to the cost effectiveness and ability to last for up to ten hours in heavy flow. They are as comfortable as any mainstream brand.
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“We appreciate your support of the Makapads. We were rescued from the use of local or cloth pads, the pads are smooth and soft, and enables long time use. They enable proper sanitation. We are happy with your generous services which enables us to stay in school.” Senior 3 girls.
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“We would like to extend our sincere thanks for the opportunity you have given to us, providing us with sanitary pads, because they have been of great use to us, more so to those who would not afford them. They have also enabled us attend school at daily basis and not miss exams.” Senior 4 students
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