Some 15 class eight girls at Kabiangek Primary School in Bomet County yesterday received sanitary items from Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) Foundation.
The donation was part of the foundation’s community service to regions where KTDA buys tea.
Presenting the items Ms Betty Mutungi said the packs will serve the girls, for approximately 7 months.
She said the packs had come in handy to ensure the girls do not miss schools during their periods. “We have come in to help girls stay in school during their menstrual periods,” she said.
Ms. Mutungi who is the project evaluation assistant at the foundation said among the items in the packs were underpants, face towels, sanitary pads, mirror, toothpaste and a torch. She said the items were critical in maintaining hygiene during ovulation.
Ms Mutungi said the Foundation was touched by an incident at the school last year where a girl committed suicide after allegedly being shamed for soiling her dress in class.
“Stigma relating to menstrual periods are common and reasons girls stay away from school during the time but the dignity packs will help them manage the days while continuing with studies,” she said.
Konoin Sub County Director of Education Mr. Noordin Mohammed hailed the foundation for supplementing the government in supporting the girl.
Mohammed challenged the girls to work harder in their academics as an appreciation to the support. “Our girls will not miss school any longer and hopefully they will perform better in their academics,” said the director.
The school head teacher Mr. John Kosile said the school has continually received support from the ministry enabling all girls to be in class.
“We frequently give the girls in all classes sanitary pads to meet their needs and keep them in school and the support from KTDA foundation is a relief to us and we wish that they continue with the support,” Mr. Kosile said.
The school was in the news last year after a class six pupil committed suicide after she was allegedly shamed for soiling herself in class and was chased away by a teacher.
Area residents demonstrated and demanded the sacking of the female teacher implicated in the sad incident. The female teacher has since been transferred to another school.
An investigation into the incident constituted by the ministry of education is yet to make public its findings.
By Joseph Obwocha
