Yamfo Anglican SHS benefits from PCN’s outreach programme

Female students of the Anglican Senior High School at Yamfo in the Ahafo Region have received sanitary products and reproductive health education under an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty and keeping girls in school.

The intervention was organised by the People and Culture Network (PCN) as part of its Adolescent Reproductive and Personal Hygiene Outreach Programme, dubbed “Pad a Girl for a Year.”

Each beneficiary received 12 pieces of sanitary pads to support menstrual protection throughout the year, in addition to an After-Wash personal hygiene product and a tube of Pepsodent toothpaste.

Held under the theme, “Empowering Adolescents, Ending Period Poverty, Keeping Girls in School,” the outreach sought to equip young people with accurate information on puberty, reproductive health, personal hygiene and menstrual health.

The programme also addressed myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation and encouraged adolescents to make healthy and responsible choices, develop self-confidence, establish personal boundaries and respect the dignity of others.

Speaking to the students, PCN Executive Director, Belinda Naasaamu, urged the girls not to allow menstruation to interfere with their education or future aspirations.

She encouraged them to seek accurate information about the changes taking place in their bodies, take good care of themselves and make informed decisions that would protect their health and future.

Ms Naasaamu said the initiative went beyond the distribution of sanitary products, explaining that PCN was committed to equipping girls with the knowledge, confidence and resources needed to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

She said the organisation began the year with a commitment to reach girls in communities across the country through menstrual health education and improved access to sanitary products.

During the first quarter, PCN reached 300 girls in Woropomo near Wenchi, Yendi and Suma Ahenkro, providing menstrual health education, personal hygiene guidance and information to help beneficiaries better understand and manage their menstrual cycles.

Before the Yamfo outreach, the organisation had also engaged hundreds of girls at Katakyiekrom near Drobo and Nanketewa near Sunyani as part of its broader campaign against period poverty.

PCN said the sustained outreach was aimed at ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to girls’ education, confidence and long-term development.

The queen mother of Yamfo, Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, ably supported the organization of the program.