Chinedum Elekwachi
A group of non-governmental organizations has disclosed plans to establish hygiene and integrity clubs in secondary schools in Anambra state to address cases of mensural hygiene and moral values in schools.
The groups stated this during the outreach in St Theresa High School and Progressive Secondary School, both in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
The NGOs held the activities to mark the commemoration of Menstruation Hygiene Day 2025 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.
On the occasion, Executive Director, Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development, Ugochi Freeman said the clubs are to ensure sustainability of hygiene culture and moral values being inculcated in the students.
“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,” she revealed.
Worrying menstrual hygiene statistics
Executive Director, Care Trust Development Initiatives, Ifeyinwa Unachukwu said the outreach was a response to 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. All these can result to stigmatization and psychological trauma.
“The day is dedicated to teach these children that menstruation are normal body anatomy and something to be proud of.
“There should be regular sensitization and that’s part of why we’re here. It will be awesome if each community can have pad banks.
It will help children from poor homes who can’t afford pads,” she added.
Build your self-esteem
Director of Safenest, Oluchukwu Chukwuenyem charged the students to build their self-esteem and confidence in whatever positive goals they are pursuing.
“Don’t ever allow anyone to define you. Anytime you make mistakes, try to bounce back. Don’t ever dwell on them. Love yourself more than anyone else.
“Anytime you need support, reach out to ust your teachers, church leaders and your parents.
“Love yourself and know that God loves you more,” she added.
Executive Director, COMAREG Health Care Foundation, Princess Nwando Onyeagwalam called for collective efforts towards creating clean and healthy environment that foster growth, learning and well-being.
“This day will serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing your health and hygiene.
“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 menstrual and hygiene day.
“Educate yourself and others about healthy practices. Continue making us proud by practicing healthy hygiene. Continue being who you are,” Onyeagwalam advised.
Principal of St Theresa High School Umunya, Oby Odili, thanked the organizations for choosing the school for the sensitization programme.
