From a union leader to a real changemaker

From a union leader to a real changemaker: A teacher union leaders’ journey to combating absenteeism amongst girls through sustained menstrual health solutions in Ghana schools

Governments and society in general focus on the seemingly big and more conspicuous issues when it comes to eliminating all forms of discrimination in education, but lurking behind these issues is a silent barrier that is preventing many young girls from taking full advantage of the free compulsory education being offered by the government of Ghana.


In the bustling classrooms of Ghanaian schools, menstruation and its associated stigma and lack of access to proper menstrual health solutions is causing lots of adolescent girls to absent themselves from schools during that time of the month thereby losing very important learning time. When one looks at the cumulative loss of learning hours over a period of a year and even throughout the school going age of the girl, it becomes more evident that the girl is at a disadvantage if she doesn’t have access to period products.


I was hit by this reality when I chanced upon some girls chatting. I heard how some of them used papers from discarded cement paper bags and iced water rubbers etc. as pads. I was not only shocked but began to imagine how unhealthy this was and the possibility of infections. I started to dig deeper into the issue and realized that girls absenting themselves from school was the least of the consequences; some girls get pregnant in their bid to access money from boys or men to purchase period pads.


One period pad in Ghana costs more than the daily minimum wage thereby making it very expensive for most families to be able to buy pads for their girls. Determined to make a difference, I began looking for a solution that would enable girls to manage their periods with dignity and ease; allowing them to attend school regularly was the way to go.


Linking up with the Steve Sinnott Foundation through the General Secretary of the Gambian Teachers Union (Mrs. Antoinette Corr) has been a breath of fresh air. The support from the foundation has helped to put our ideas into action and has given the girls confidence that they can have their periods and go to school at the same time.


NAGRAT, with the help of The Steve Sinnott Foundation, set out to teach female teachers and girls in Ho (Volta region of Ghana) about menstrual health, learn to make re-usable period pads and talk safely about school related gender base violence (SRGBV), but we got more than that. The experience has ignited a fire in us as union leaders to give as much attention to the needs of the learners (especially girls) as we do for our colleagues.


As I write this article, I am reflecting on all that could have gone wrong for me when I was a young girl having come face to face with the reality of our girls today.


The team was pleasantly surprised at the immediate impact of our intervention on the participants and the rippling effect it would have on them, their siblings, neighbours and future children. As we talked with the girls and answered their numerous questions three comments in particular caused me to think and to reflect.


  • “Why is this not taught in school”
  • “My mother will be happy to see this because she will not
  • have to credit pads for me again”.
  • “I wish all the girls in my class were here”.


The team invited teachers and students from ten schools but from the second day twenty-one schools were participating. This gives a clear indication of the widespread need for this intervention and obviously how important it is to reach out to other communities. The second and third day of training witnessed the participants’ unwillingness to go on breaks because they were so engrossed in the sessions. As I conclude this write up, I am thinking about what we could have achieved if we had stepped into this much earlier bearing in mind the powerful effect that teachers have on their learners.


Bigraphy


Rebecca Ocran Abaidoo is the Gender coordinator (National Association of Graduate Teachers) Ghana, has been a teacher since 1997, and a union leader at regional and national levels since 2009.


BY REBECCA OCRAN ABAIDOO • June 10, 2024

STEM programs in Haiti

By Ann Beatty • February 14, 2026
On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.

Make This Spring the Season You Secure Your Legacy

By Steve Sinnott • February 14, 2026
At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.

The Foundation supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

By Kaylem James • February 3, 2026
In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17).  The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.