Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 200 female students in Abia State, have received free sanitary pads from Rotary Club International.
The beneficiaries included secondary school students of Michael Okpara University Demonstration Secondary School, Umudike; and their counterparts from Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School.
Each of beneficiary received a ten-in-one pack of the reusable sanitary pads during the event.
The project tagged, “Pad A Girl,” project, was a joint project by the Rotary Club of Umudike Central, District 9142 and North Cobb Rotary Club, District 6900, USA.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Rotary International Past Assistant Governor, Rotarian Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, said the essence of the “Pad A Girl” project was “to introduce young girls to reusable sanitary pads, which she said was very convenient, comfortable, environmental friendly, cheap and easy to use.”
According to her, the project will also help the girls to know how to take care of themselves and maintain a good menstrual hygiene.
She advised the students to gently wash the reusable pads with water after six hours of use and sun-dry them, to avoid bacteria infection.
Rotarian Nwachukwu who said that two clubs have been promoting reusable sanitary pads, advised the young girls not to feel shy or isolate themselves during their monthly period.
She said it was normal and a healthy lifestyle for women to have their menstrual flow until the attain menopause.
Rotarian Nwachukwu noted that the biting economic situation in the country had made the use of resuable pads very imperative.
“This reusable sanitary pad is pocket friendly, especially now that things are very hard. It is good for both the students and their mothers. They can save the money mapped out for disposable pads to buy the reusable sanitary pads and use it for other vital needs.”
She cautioned the students against evil associations and bullying of their fellow students.
Speaking also, the President, Rotary Club of Umudike Central, Rotarian Seline Ilochi, revealed that the “Pad a Girl” project would be extended to six secondary schools in the state.
She disclosed that the success the project recorded in the previous year, made the partnering Clubs to upscale the project for a wider reach.
She expressed optimism that once mothers and guardians of the girls appreciate the qualities of the reusable sanitary pad, they will pick interest in it and help save the environment.
Meanwhile, teachers and students of the schools visited, including: Mrs Nnenna Obinua, Mrs Vivian Egejuru, Miss Okeke Deborah and Miss Oluomachi, appreciated the donors for the gesture.
They said that the pads were not only comfortable and environment-friendly but would bring huge financial relief to them.
