FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has distributed sanitary wear and essential stationery to vulnerable learners in rural and specialized schools across Masvingo Province in a bid to address menstrual inequities and curb school dropouts.
The initiative benefited learners at Ndali Primary School in Chiredzi, the only school supported in the district as well as Mukume, Bemberero and Tsakani primary schools in Mwenezi.
The programme was also extended to Copota School for the Blind and Ratidzo Zimcare School to promote inclusive education.
Speaking on the initiative, ZNFPC Masvingo Marketing and Communications Officer Beautrice Hlilokela said the intervention was aimed at supporting disadvantaged learners who often face barriers to education due to poverty and lack of access to basic necessities.
“Severe resource shortages and the lack of affordable sanitary products continue to force many children, particularly adolescent girls, to miss classes or abandon their education altogether. Through this initiative, we sought to restore dignity and improve school attendance among vulnerable learners,” said Hlilokela.
The donations were made in recognition of Menstrual Hygiene Day which is celebrated every on May 28 and formed part of a broader effort by ZNFPC to support the educational needs of disadvantaged children.
Hlilokela said the initiative was initially launched during the National Youth Day through contributions from ZNFPC staff members.
“Additional support was secured through corporate partners who funded the remaining supplies, while the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education assisted in identifying the most vulnerable learners.”
Beyond the distribution of materials, ZNFPC conducted educational sessions on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), providing learners with accurate information on puberty, menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health.
The awareness sessions also aimed to challenge myths and stigma surrounding menstruation which often contribute to absenteeism among schoolgirls.
“Providing sanitary wear alone is not enough. We also want young people to have access to reliable health information that empowers them to make informed decisions, manage puberty confidently, and remain in school,” Hlilokela added.
The initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing educational inequalities and ensuring that no child is left behind due to poverty or limited access to menstrual hygiene products.
