University of Namibia UNAM’s campus at Rundu donates to Kasote Girls Dignity

It was all about “girl power” at Kasote Combined School, on the outskirts of Rundu town, when 20 girls aged between 11 and 17 received a supply of sanitary pads from the UNAM Rundu Campus, as part of its community outreach efforts.

Led by the campus Student Counsellor, Ms Melissa Katupao, the Peer Educators Club and the SRC for Gender & Community Development visited the School and had an intimate session in which they shared info pamphlets on menstruation cycles and personal hygiene.

“The drive aims to keep girls at school during their menstruation time, as some of them often miss school because they cannot afford sanitary pads,” explains Ms Katupao. A natural process, taking place because of good reproductive health, disadvantages the girl child in access of education. In efforts to assist with injustices, due to poverty, the Office of the Dean of Students gathered funds from friends and family.

A hamper with three packs of pads, toothpaste, bar of soap, bathing cloth, body spray and body lotion was packed and distributed to each girl. Members of the Peer Educators and SRC presented the information in English and in Rukwangali, as the parents of the learners also attended the session.