Train 100 men & 40 boys in Uganda on menstruation

Project Summary:

The project aims at training 100 men & 40 boys in Buvuma islands on menstruation management and works in Partnership with a private sectors and civil society organisation in the region to improve access of hygienically affordable pads for the women and adolescent girls (AGYW). Additionally, 100 men and 40 boys have also been trained in MHM so that they assist the AGYW instead of bulling them. The African Child and Youth Development Initiative (ACYDI) has integrated the MHM trainings with the storybooks to offer numerous benefits to AGYW, contributing to their cognitive, emotional, social, and linguistic development.

Achievements/Actions taken:

• The storybooks trainings for AGYW from African Child and Youth Development Initiative (ACYDI) have enhanced language skills, vocabulary expansion and exposure to a wide range of words and phrases that helped AGYW to develop a richer vocabulary.
• Hygiene Facilities have been improved through private bathrooms and ensuring that there are safe, and clean with locking doors where AGYW can change sanitary products.
• ACYDI has trained over 20 men, 20 boys and 30 AGYW the relevance of using water and soap for washing hands and usage of menstrual hygiene products.
• ACYDI has provided disposal Bins in bathrooms for sanitary products and ensured that they are emptied regularly.
• ACYDI has trained over 50 pupils and their teachers through using storyboos to improve grammar and Syntax where learners intuitively grasped sentence structures, grammar, and syntax through repeated exposure to well-written texts, strengthened reading skills which improves fluency, comprehension, and overall reading proficiency.
• Over 1000 storybooks have been distributed to boost cognitive development and critical thinking which often present problems and scenarios that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The AGYW and other learners now can recognize and understand their own emotions and others. In this regards, interacting with stories that depict various social scenarios can teach valuable social skills and norms.
• The acquired storybooks have enhanced knowledge and introduced learners to new topics, cultures, and historical events, broadening their knowledge base and motivation to Learn through engaging enjoyable stories that spark a lifelong love of reading and learning.
• Through partners and ACYDI, 5 sessions have been organised in Managing Menstrual Hygiene (MHM), education and awareness trainings through menstrual education, preferably before the onset of puberty, to prepare girls for what to expect; provided comprehensive and accurate information about menstruation, including the biological process, duration, symptoms, and hygiene practices. The trainings have Involved Boys and educated them to foster understanding and reduce stigma associated with menstruation.
• Six (6) Trainings to the senior men and women teachers have been conducted to provide support and guidance to AGYW about MHM.
• Two peer Support Groups @ 15 members have been formed where girls can share issues and seek guidance on menstruation management.
• Private facilities for changing and disposal has been provided to the schools where AGYW are schooled.
• Conducted education on menstruation to dispel stigma and promote understanding.

Challenges and suggested solutions:

• Accessibility to sanitary products like pads has been a very big challenge to most of the AGYW in the islands.
• Provision of more storybooks to the AGYW.
• Menstrual cups or reusable pads for eco-friendly options are recommended.
• Recommended to conduct more trainings in education on menstrual health and hygiene.
• The learners are the most affected, as they are vulnerable through their health. Additionally, because of lack of proper toilet facility, AGYW learners when they reach the age of puberty, do not come to class during their monthly menstruation period, and gradually drop-out from school.
• For Boys/men: encouraging empathy and support for menstruating peers.
• Provision of access to resources and information on menstrual health.
• Breaking down gender stereotypes and taboos.