By Uzo Ugwunze
A group of Non-governmental organisations have stressed the importance of hygiene and integrity among secondary school students in Anambra state.
They disclosed plans to establish hygiene and integrity clubs in secondary schools in the state to address cases of mensural hygiene and moral values among the students.
The groups stated this during the outreach in St Theresa High School and Progressive Secondary school, both in Umunya, Oyi local government area in commemoration of Menstruation Hygiene Day themed, “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
The groups are Safenest Against Domestic violence and Drug Abuse, Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development, Care Trust Development Initiative and COMAREG health care foundation.
Speaking during the outreach, Executive Director, Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development, Ugochi Freeman said the essence of the clubs is to ensure sustainability of hygiene culture and moral values being inculcated in the students.
She said, “We’re not only here for menstrual hygiene, we’re also looking at water, sanitation and hygiene, human rights, building confidence and self esteem, sexual and gender based violence, among others.
“There is need for ethical value reorientation among these students. We want to catch them young so we can redeem the next generation.
“We’re recording successes. For the school we’ve visited, questions from the students are enough evidence. We’re targeting 1000 students for this outreach. It’s a continuous process.”
Executive Director, Care Trust Development Initiatives, Ifenyinwa Unachukwu said the outreach was informed by worrying statistics of menstruation hygiene among students.
“UN received lots of reports on the state of menstruation among girls. Those from very poor family are stigmatized during menstruation.
“Again, many of them can’t afford buying pads during menstruation. That’s why Global Fund mandated that it should be discussed so as to find solutions.
“Some of them don’t even know when their period starts, some feel they’re doomed during their period. Some don’t even menstruate.
“Some are ignorant of the fact that cleanniness is critical during such periods. You can’t believe some use rags in place of pads.
“All these can result to stigmatisation and psychological trauma. That’s why such day is dedicated to teach these children that menstruation are normal body anatomy and something to be proud of.
“The world is used to once in a year celebration and I don’t think it’s right. There should be regular sensitization and that’s part of why we’re here.
“If it’s possible for each community to have pad banks, that would be awesome, particularly for children from poor homes who can’t afford pads,” she added.
Director of Safenest, Oluchukwu Obi Chukwuenyem called on the students to build their self esteem as well as have confidence in whatever positive goals they are pursuing.
“As we commemorate the Menstrual Hygiene Day, there is a need for you to build your self esteem. Have confidence in whatever positive goals you are pursuing.
“Don’t ever allow anyone to define you. Anytime you make mistakes, try to bounce back. Don’t ever dwell in them. Love yourself more than anyone else.
“Anytime you need support, we are here and also you have your teachers, church leaders and your parents. Please seek support anytime you need them.
“Don’t ever dwell in whatever thing you think that you did wrong. Bounce back and make sure you do the right thing. Love yourself and know that God loves you more,” she added.
Executive Director, COMAREG Health Care Foundation, Princess Nwando Onyeagwalam stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to create clean and healthy environment that foster growth, learning and well-being.
She said, “This day will serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing your health and hygiene.
“It is paramount for you to know that you need to practice good habits like regular hand washing and brushing your teeth. It’s all about personal hygiene.
“Let’s focus on healthy habits, encourage balanced diet, regular exercises with sufficient sleep.
“You have to keep your surroundings clean and keep it well organized. It’s all about hygiene day, menstrual and hygiene day.
“You have to educate yourself and others about healthy practices. Support each other, encourage and motivate your peers to prioritize health and hygiene.
“I am sure that after today, you will all wish and have a happy and healthy life. I wish you all the best. God bless you. Continue making us proud. Continue practicing healthy hygiene. Continue being who you are.”
Principal of St Theresa, Oby Odili was full of thanks to the organisations for the choice of the school for the visit, praying God to reward then in return.