BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), the Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) arm of BONews Service has distributed sanitary pads to female students with disabilities in Sango Junior Secondary School (Inclusive), Agege, Lagos State.
The initiative was aimed at addressing the challenges the students face in accessing menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints.
Earlier this year, Publisher of BONews and Founder of BOFIM, Blessing Oladunjoye, visited the school to report on the lack of access to sanitary products among students with disabilities.
According to her, her findings revealed that many of the girls struggled to afford sanitary pads, which often resulted in missed school days during their menstrual periods.
“Sanitary products are essential for women of reproductive age. If students with disabilities lack access to them, it is important to begin addressing this gap. This gesture is to help them stay healthy, comfortable, and focused on their academics”.
Oladunjoye noted that the donation was part of BOFIM’s commitment to supporting marginalised communities and ensuring inclusive access to essential resources. She also promised to secure additional support for the students whenever possible.
Expressing gratitude over the intervention received by the school community, one of the teachers, Mr. Ganiu Lawal, described the initiative as “laudable”, noting its impact on students who are often overlooked.
“On behalf of the management, I express our profound gratitude to BO Foundation for this kind gesture to ensures our girls can stay in school during their periods and focus on learning without undue stress. We hope this will not be the last”, Lawal remarked, extending an invitation for BOFIM to participate in the school’s 10th anniversary celebration, coinciding with World Disability Day in December.
Another Teacher and a sign language interpreter in the school, Ms. Lydia Ojo, echoed same sentiments as Lawal, she highlighted the dual importance of the initiative: providing much-needed support for the girls and easing the financial strain on their families.
“Our children are seriously in need of this support. This will reduce their parents’ financial stress and ensure the girls do not miss school due to menstrual challenges. We are grateful for this initiative and hope to see more of such efforts”, Ojo expressed.
Three-month supply of sanitary pads was distributed to the school girls in attendance while some were kept in the sick bay such that any girl who required sanitary products while in school could easily access them.
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