World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI) officially handed over much-needed menstrual hygiene kits to St. Francis Community High School and Selwyn College, marking a significant step towards ensuring girls can consistently attend their classes.
The handover ceremonies took place in March and was attended by representatives from WVSI, the British High Commission to Solomon Islands, local producer MJ Enterprise, school staff, and enthusiastic students.
Funded generously by the British High Commission in Honiara, this project aims to address the challenges girls often face in managing their menstruation, which can lead to absenteeism and hinder their educational progress.
The initiative will directly benefit the female students of St. Francis Community High School and Selwyn College National Secondary School, along with Potau Community High School, all located in Guadalcanal province.
Speaking at the handover events, representatives from WVSI highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for girls' education. They emphasized that access to menstrual hygiene products is a crucial factor in enabling girls to participate fully in school activities without interruption.
The British High Commission emphasized its commitment to gender equality and girls' empowerment in Solomon Islands, expressing satisfaction in partnering with WVSI on this vital project addressing a key barrier to girls' education.
WVSI also acknowledged the valuable contribution of MJ Enterprise, a local company that produces the "Kaleko SteiFree" reusable pads. These locally manufactured, sustainable pads form a key component of the hygiene kits being distributed to the schools.
The handover ceremonies were met with gratitude and excitement by the students and staff of both St. Francis Community High School and Selwyn College. Providing these menstrual hygiene kits is expected to positively impact the girls' confidence and attendance, ultimately contributing to their academic success.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort to break down barriers and ensure that girls in the Solomon Islands have equal opportunities to learn and thrive.
Source: Press Release, World Vision Solomon Islands