post from natalie (natalia)

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Like hundreds of millions of women around the world, I too, get my period. Okay, maybe this isn't such a revelation, but it's definitely not something I talk about with people on a regular basis. And honestly, it's because I don't need to. Throughout my adolescence, it's a topic we talked about in school, including (gasp!) the boys. We learned how our anatomy works, why it happens, and most importantly, how to hygienically manage the monthly occurrence so that it didn't interfere with our daily activities. Although at times it was a bit embarrassing, as everything seems to be during puberty, thankfully, my questions were answered a long time ago.

This is not the case for the girls in Uganda. It's an issue that is rarely, if ever discussed. In fact, in many parts of the country, menstruation is still considered a source of shame. Couple that with a severe lack of resources and access to proper hygiene supplies, and the most basic of biological functions, for many, becomes a barrier to attending school. So when a friend forwarded an article about AFRIpads, a Ugandan company manufacturing reusable cloth hygiene pads, I knew this was something our girls at St. Mary Kevin needed to know about.

Utilizing the power of social media, I put out a call to my friends and family to help. Within one day, we had collected nearly $1000. By the end of the week, we had raised enough money to purchase the equivalent of an 8 year supply for 50 girls.

Not wanting to pass up the opportunity, Irene, Lillian, Tina, and Beatrice were invited along to make the purchase. We spent well over an hour with the staff of AFRIpads learning how to use and properly care for the pads, and by the end of our time there, the girls were PUMPED. So much so, that the responsibility of teaching the other girls how to use the products was passed on to them. When we returned to school, all of our girls were gathered in a classroom and sat intently listening (if not occasionally giggling) to Tina explain how to use the products and worked with Lillian, Beatrice, and Irene to wash and prepare the pads for their first use.

As overwhelmed as I was with the outpouring of generosity CTT received for this initiative, it was witnessing this transfer of knowledge that had me close to happy tears. In a very small way these bright young ladies have been empowered to take ownership of their own sexual health, as well as the sexual health of their sisters. And it is this gift that will last a lifetime.

Tina

The first wash.

Reading about menstruation. A first for our girls.

Excited about our AFRIpads!

afripads

I couldn't have told this delightful tale any better. The following was written by CTT's on-the-ground-liaison, Melissa:

There are some people that are just natural go-getters. They see a need and take the reins with enthusiastic action. Their efforts end up making a true impact for others. Such describes Natalie, who is a GREAT friend and PASSIONATE supporter of CTT. She has traveled to St. Mary Kevin 3 times now and will making her 4th trip in September.

Natalie saw a need within the teenage girls at SMK. Uganda is like most developing countries where sanitary pads are not always readily available monthly. Girls can miss school during these times if other self-made provisions are also not available. Sadly, some girls will even drop out of school, due to teasing from peers or failing grades due to significant monthly absences from school. Sanitary pads here in Uganda are relatively inexpensive compared to America. A package of 8-10 pads can be bought for just under $1. But for families that can only afford that amount to feed their entire family daily, it can be an investment just not realistic.

Even at SMK, it is impossible for the Administration to meet this need for the girls. There are a total of 40 Primary & Secondary girls living at SMK with the monthly need for sanitary pads. CTT is able to provide their sponsored students with pads during the school term, but there is a lapse during holidays. The simple calculations illustrate that feminine products must take a backseat to other essentials, like food and more basic provisions.

That is where Natalie has valiantly stepped in. She learned about an organization called AfriPads. They make washable cloth sanitary pads that girls can reuse for upwards to one year. She began a small campaign of her Facebook friends with the hope of raising a couple hundred dollars. To her surprise and delight, the word spread to friends of friends and beyond. By the end of her week’s drive, she had collected over $1500 for the cause. Natalie will purchase these Afripads sets when she visits Uganda in September. If you would like donate, go to Change The Truth’s website and put ‘AfriPads’ in the byline of your donation.

Thank you Natalie. Your heart is so full of love for our friends at SMK. My hat of respect and appreciation is off to YOU!!