In a continued effort to support young girls and promote menstrual hygiene, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation recently visited the Commandant of the Airforce Base Secondary School in Lagos, where it organized a special outreach program focused on the distribution of sanitary pads and a sensitization workshop for students.
The event, which was warmly received by the school’s administration and students, aimed to address the challenges many female students face in managing their menstrual health and ensuring they can stay focused on their education without being hindered by a lack of menstrual hygiene resources.
A Warm Welcome from the Commandant
The visit began with a formal reception by the Commandant of the Airforce Base Secondary School, who expressed gratitude for the foundation’s initiative and highlighted the importance of such programs in supporting the health and well-being of young girls. The Commandant praised the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation for their dedication to empowering young girls and ensuring that no student’s education is disrupted due to menstrual challenges.
In his remarks, the Commandant noted, “Menstrual hygiene is an important issue that affects the academic performance and confidence of our female students. We are thankful for the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation’s commitment to this cause and their support in helping our students overcome these barriers.”
Empowering Students through Menstrual Health Education
During the visit, representatives from the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation held a sensitization session to educate the students about menstrual health, dispelling myths, and providing them with practical information on how to manage their menstrual cycles effectively. The session was interactive, with students asking questions and sharing their experiences, creating an open and supportive environment for discussion.
The foundation’s representatives emphasized the importance of proper menstrual hygiene practices, the use of sanitary pads, and maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation. They also encouraged the students to view menstruation as a normal and natural part of life, empowering them to embrace their bodies and remain confident during their periods.
Distribution of Sanitary Pads to Female Students
A key highlight of the visit was the distribution of free sanitary pads to the female students of Airforce Base Secondary School. The foundation recognized the financial burden that purchasing menstrual hygiene products can place on families, particularly in lower-income communities, and took this step to alleviate some of that burden.
By providing these essential supplies, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation aimed to ensure that no student would miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products. Many of the students expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s support, with some noting that this initiative would help them focus more on their studies without worrying about managing their periods.
One of the students said, “We are so thankful to the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation for giving us pads and teaching us more about menstrual hygiene. Now, we feel more confident and prepared.”
Continuing the Commitment to Girls’ Education
The Hon. Okey Joe Foundation’s visit to Airforce Base Secondary School is part of its broader mission to empower girls through education and support. The foundation firmly believes that providing young girls with the resources and knowledge they need to manage their menstrual health is critical to ensuring that they can remain in school and reach their full potential.
Hon. Prince Okey-Joe Jesse Onuakalusi, founder of the foundation, commented on the importance of this initiative, saying, “Our girls should never have to choose between their education and managing their periods. By supporting their menstrual hygiene, we are not only helping them stay in school but also promoting their confidence and well-being.”
Looking Ahead
The Hon. Okey Joe Foundation remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of young girls across Oshodi-Isolo and beyond. Through ongoing initiatives like the menstrual hygiene outreach, the foundation continues to play a vital role in removing barriers to education and empowering young girls to thrive in their academic and personal lives.
As the foundation moves forward, it plans to extend this initiative to more schools and communities, ensuring that every girl has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
