An NGO, Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) has empowered FCT special needs students on menstrual hygiene management, myths and taboos.
The Executive Director, TCF, Mrs Tayo Erinle during the exercise at Abuja School for the Blind, Jabi on Tuesday in Abuja said the initiative was to commemorate the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Management Day celebration.
Erinle said the programme was organised under the foundation’s ‘Always Keeping Girls in School (AKGIS) project supported by Procter and Gamble.
According to her, the event will enable the girls have correct menstrual hygiene knowledge, dispel myths, and address taboos surrounding menstruation.
“In the past few years, we have worked with Procter and Gamble in AKGIS programme to help girls, teach them the correct information about menstruation.
“Also to help them understand that it is a normal part of life and debunk taboos and myths around menstruation and to provide menstrual hygiene products for girls to use.
”This help the girl have their menstruation in dignity,” she said.
Erinle said the foundation has been able to support 30 FCT schools, including those with special needs under the project.
“We started this in the engine project led by Mercy Corp Nigeria in 29 schools in Abuja.
“Thereafter, TCF went with the AKGIS project to 30 schools in Abuja, Abeokuta, and Ogun states in 2023,” she said.
She added that similar gestures were being replicated in Kwara and Lagos states.
The Chief Programme Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Obiageli Kechere said: “cleanliness is very important all the time, especially during menstruation.
“We appreciate TCF for their supports in educating the public, especially students on menstrual hygiene management,” she said.
A representative from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Okolo Kingsley commended the foundation for their supports to women and girls.
Kingsley also encouraged other partners to rally round the ministry and key into programmes that would improve the well-being and economic empowerment of women and girls.
Some of the students expressed appreciation to the foundation and its partners for the enlightenment provided, assuring them that they would apply the knowledge gained.
The beneficiaries include students from school for the Deaf, Kuje and School for the Blind, Jabi.
Others were some schools for children with special needs, and Junior Secondary School, Kuchingoro.
By Justina Auta
