Sex Ed and RUMPS at G.S. Nyumba

Year: 2017
Country: Rwanda
Project Status: Funded
Impact Sector: Education
Project Investment: $496.14

Project Launch: 7-20-17

Menstruation and reproductive health are topics that are not taught in local Rwandan schools, leading to misconceptions about menstruation as well as menstrual mismanagement. Girls in Busoro often cannot locate or afford menstrual hygiene products and may miss school because there is not an adequate place to wash their soiled clothes. When menstruating girls do come to school, they may sit in the back of the classroom and become reserved in order to hide a potential stain.

This project proposes a series of lessons for the girls of G.S. Nyumba School concerning puberty, sexual health, healthy relationships, contraception, and pregnancy, culminating in a workshop to make reusable menstrual pads (RUMPS). These reusable pads are made from locally available resources, including igitenge (fabric), towels, and plastic bags. The workshop will include lessons on maintenance of the pad as well as the importance of personal savings.

Project Update: 10-20-17

The school has rolled out the project's sexual health education curriculum, with input from the Peace Corps Volunteer, the Project Leader, a collaborating teacher, and the headmaster. 30 girls from various grades received orientation about gender equality, puberty, sex and consent, healthy relationships, and pregnancy.

Final Report:

192 girls received orientation about feminine hygiene, reproductive health, and menstrual pads. 5 classes covered the curriculum and gave participants the chance to develop their own reusable menstrual pads, improving knowledge of health and menstruation.

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