From TCNEWS
Not less than 240 female secondary school students of Michael Okpara University Demonstration Secondary School, Umudike and Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School, both in Abia State, have benefitted from the “Pad A Girl”, project, a joint project by the Rotary Club of Umudike Central, District 9142 and North Cobb Rotary Club, District 6900, USA.
Addressing the female students respectively during the event which was led by Rotarian Seline Ilochi, the President Rotary Club of Umudike Central and the Club’s Public Image Chair, Rotarian Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, said the essence of the “Pad A Girl” project was to introduce the 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 gentle wash the reusable pads with water after six (6) hours of use and sun dry them , in order not to create a room for bacteria to penetrate and cause a harm to their body.
The Rotary International Past Assistant Governor 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, asserting further that girls having their monthly menstrual flow is not a taboo but a healthy lifestyle.
“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 used the medium to warn the students against joining bad groups and bullying their fellow students .
“You can be an interactor and serve to create a better world. You will become a good leader and a global citizen when you become an interactor, Rotaractor or Rotarian because you have become a member of the Rotary family. Rotary Club is not a secret society or a social club, it is a selfless service Club, where members serve with their time, talents and treasure. Rotarians and Rotaractors go out of their way to do good in the world. Our business is to make the world a better place”, Rotarian Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu also enlightened the students.
Speaking earlier, the 2023-2024 Create Hope President of the Club, 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.
The teachers and students of the schools visited, who include: Mrs Nnenna Obinua and Mrs Vivian Egejuru (Teachers); and Miss Okeke Deborah; Miss Oluomachi, Miss Ezia Chinecherem (students) appreciated the Rotary Club of Umudike Central and its partner North Cobb Rotary Club, District 6900, USA, for exposing them to the reusable sanitary pads, which is not only comfortable and environmental friendly but will lessen their financial expenses.
Each of the female students received a ten-in-one pack of the reusable sanitary pads during the event.