AJOA PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRLS RECIEVE SANITARY PADS

By Mimi PIO, Northern Province

Female students of Ajoa Primary School in Tufi, Northern Province, have received reusable sanitary pads were grateful to the generous donation from the Toowoomba Rotarian Club in Queensland, Australia. The donation was made during a recent education visit by Amelia Baruga, the Northern Province Guidance Officer, who also volunteers with the Oro Community Service and advocates for the “Girls for Days” program.

During the education visit, Baruga took the opportunity to discuss with the female students about their sexual health and hygiene.
She emphasized the importance of menstrual health, discussed the challenges girls face during their menstrual cycles especially from remote places, and how the lack of basic sanitary products can impact their education.

After the discussion, sanitary pad packs were distributed to the girls.

Baruga expressed her commitment to empowering young girls in Oro to have high self-esteem and focus on their education.

She pointed out that many girls fail to pursue tertiary education due to low self-confidence and the lack of open discussions about reproductive and sexual health which leads to the issue of teenage pregnancy, which often stems from the lack of education on these crucial topics in schools.

She also expressed her gratitude to various Rotary Clubs overseas for their continuous support in sending sanitary pad packages for distribution to students in need in rural areas in Papua.

Melisa Aturu of Ajoa Primary told the media about the challenges faced by female students during their monthly periods.

She noted that many girls are forced to stay at home during their periods because they lack access to sanitary products, leaving them unable to attend school.

Aturu extended her gratitude to the Guidance officer and the Rotary Clubs for their kind contributions.

The female students were delighted by the discussion and the donation although some girls unfortunately missed out due to the limited number of supplies available for distribution.