Staff Reporter

In a significant move to address menstrual health and its impact on education, National FM, in partnership with Amlonde Sanitary Pads, donated sanitary pads to over 200 Form One and Form Two students at Parirewa Secondary School in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province.

The donation, which handed over yesterday on the school grounds, aimed at ensuring that menstruation no longer disrupts the education of young girls.

The donation event was attended by representatives from National FM, local community leaders, and educators, all of whom underscored the importance of empowering girls to stay in school.

Program Director for National FM, Sarah Chikonde, highlighted the critical need for such initiatives in rural areas, where many girls miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products.

“Periods should not stop education. Many young girls are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles because they don’t have the necessary supplies. With this donation, we hope to ensure that no girl has to choose between her education and managing her menstrual health,” Chikonde said.

A representative of Amlonde Sanitary Pads, James Moyo, expressed the company’s pride in supporting girls’ education.

"We understand the barriers that menstruation can pose to young girls, and we are committed to alleviating these challenges. Education is a right, and menstruation should never be a barrier," he stated.

Parirewa Secondary School’s head teacher, Mrs. Viola Nyathi, praised the donation, noting its immediate impact on the school’s female students.

 “In the past, many of our girls missed classes during their menstrual cycles. Now, with access to sanitary pads, they are more likely to attend school consistently and perform better academically,” Nyathi remarked.

The donation comes amid growing awareness of the importance of menstrual health education in schools.