Project Description

The project aimed at keeping girls in school by constructing sanitary facilities and providing reusable menstrual pads for girls at Matola Primary School. Before the project, the school had only two toilets for 401 girls and 338 boys which led to unhygienic practice among learners. Further, the school had no bathrooms/changing rooms where girls could change their menstrual pads while in school which made the girls to feel insecure due of lack privacy whenever they wanted to change their menstrual pads. As such some a lot of girls were forced to miss classes during the time they experiencing periods. Also, most girls could not afford to buy sanitary pads. When they missed classes for long time they lost interest with school, eventually the dropped out from school. 

In response to this, Child Focus Organisation constructed a block of 4 latrines (toilets) and 2 changing rooms for girls. The changing rooms enables girls change their pads while in school. Also, the project donated two sewing machines to Matola Primary School and trained 10 mother group (MGs) members of the school in making reusable sanitary pads using sewing machines. 1207 were produced by the MGs of which 567 pads were distributed to 189 girls. Each girl has received 3 pads. The remaining pads were sold for project sustainability.  

Project Results

Improved classroom performance among girls

Reduced school absenteeism among girls

Reduced school dropout rate among girls

Improved sanitation and hygiene management at the school

Increased the number of toilets for girls at the school