INTERNATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY: I- SAVE Initiative Donates Sanitary Kits, Promotes Menstrual Hygiene Among School Girls

 Ifiok Itiaba - Uyo

I-Save Initiative, a Non-governmental Organization has celebrated the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child with an awareness on menstrual hygiene among school girls in the rural community of Mbioto Ekpene Ituen.

The awareness campaign which took place on Monday, 14th October, 2024 at Government Technical College, Mbioto Ekpene Ituen, Etinan Local Government Area, focused on educating students on how to manage their menstrual health effectively and ways to promote their overall well-being.
Addressing the students, the progenitor of I-Save Initiative, Deacon Ubong Ubom, said the initiative was not only to raise awareness on crucial health issues but also give them hope and clear vision for the future.

Progenator of I-Save Initiative, Deacon Ubong Ubom with some school girls during the sensitization

He said the 2024 International Day of Girl Child with the theme: "Girls' Vision for the Future", was apt since the organization was trying to help them realize their potentials.

"We are giving them hope for the future and a clear vision for the future; some of them are confused, but when you have people like I-Save Initiative come in to help and give them clarity for life, it gives them purpose for living".

He advised them not to loose hope, stressing that they have bright future if they take their studies seriously.

Deacon Ubom who is an alumni of the school, said the initiative was part of their support to the state government education policy in the Arise AGENDA.

Mrs Peace Joshua who educated the girls on menstrual hygiene provided essential best practices for maintaining proper menstrual hygiene, outlining the health risks associated with poor management and stressing the benefits of safe hygiene practices.

On her part, Comrade Mary Ekere who gave an insight into the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2020, encouraged them to report any form of violence, be it rape, female genital mutilating or domestic violence so that the government can prosecute perpetrators and protect their future.

Earlier in his remarks, the School Principal, Pastor Eno Akaitam, thanked the organization for celebrating the 2024 International Day of Girl Child in his school and stressed that he was happy that girls were embracing Technical education unlike before.

To further support the Girl child hygiene, the organization distributed sanitary kits to the students to enhance their ability to maintain good hygiene and foster confidence, likewise school bags.

Comrade Mary Ekere presenting sanitary kits to one of the students