In July 2021, Mbedza introduced its sanitary kit programme and have since distributed washable sanitary kits to 1720 girls and young women.

These amazing sanitary kits can last up to two years, but eventually they need replacing. And this is exactly what we’re doing.

Our return to Ntondo

During a recent impact survey at Ntondo Primary, we had to chance to meet students and see the impact of our sanitary kits.

One student explained to our staff member, Mphatso, that she had been using her kit for two years now without any problems. However, she said that some kits were now wearing out and asked if we could return with new kits.

Another student spoke to our female HIV counsellor, Bainatu, and how much she appreciated the intervention and that as a result she had never been absent from school.

She asked if it was possible for Mbedza to distribute some kits to their mothers who cannot afford to buy such things from shops.

Brand new sanitary kits

So, our team returned to Ntondo Primary School, in Nyani village - a village familiar to Mbedza because we have built our fuel-efficient stoves there.

Sadly, the village was affected badly last year by Cyclone Freddy but they are slowly recovering and rebuilding.

We were able to distribute sanitary kits to 100 girls from standard 5 to 7.

As part of the distribution Mphatso educated the girls about he dangers of sugar daddies and the importance of personal hygiene.

Whilst, Bainatu had the privilege of talking about sex and relationships as well as HIV/Aids.

The education gave the girls a chance to ask questions in smaller groups.

How can you help?

We have the ability to upscale this programme and could make and distribute three times the current number of kits. But we need funding.

It is not only girls in school who need these kits but girls who do not attend as well as young women in the community.

Only 27% of children in rural Malawi complete Primary School and only 10% complete their secondary education.

This programme is not only tackling period poverty but also gives Mbedza an opportunity to provide sex and relationship education. This programme is part of our strategy of creating a HIV free generation.

If you can support this project financially then please click here select ‘sanitary’ from the drop down box when donating.

Alternatively you could provide us with new pairs of girls pants which we will take out to Malawi when we next visit.