Positive Periods, Girls And Education
Salimatu S Koroma gender desk officer Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU).
After a decade long civil war, Sierra Leone witnessed an
unprecedented surge in school enrolment at both the primary
and then the secondary levels.
Committed to the Education for All objectives, the Government
of Sierra Leone, further encouraged access to school. The main
task included reaching the out of school children and improving
the quality of the learning environment and ultimately the
learning outcomes. The needs of the poor, as well as the
elimination of disparities between urban and rural areas and
between boys and girls attending school was of paramount
importance to all, including the Sierra Leone Teachers Union.
We all know that menstruation can often be challenging for girls.
Girls are very concerned about the problems of leaks, stains and
odour during menstruation. These can have a negative impact
and as such stop them from coming to school when they are
unable to access adequate period products.
Many girls do not have a place to dispose of the readymade
sanitary pads in their school toilets so they devise other
strategies; some flush them or stay at home during their periods.
The Government has established policies protecting girls’ rights
to education, although current education and health policies do
not yet specifically address menstrual hygiene.
Research has shown that the onset of menstruation presents
several challenges. Girls report experiencing stress, shame,
embarrassment, confusion and fear due to a lack of knowledge
and inability to manage menstrual flow or from being teased
by peers. These challenges negatively impact girls’ learning
experiences and result in absenteeism, decreased school
participation and falling behind in courses. Girls face these
challenges due to poor menstruation related knowledge and
insufficient access to menstrual materials.
I must first of all commend the Steve Sinnott Foundation for their initiative to address current deficits in girls’ and adolescents’ menstrual management through the Positive Periods Programme.
The three effective trainings of Home Economics teachers we have conducted have focused on health and education and the making of reusable menstrual pads. In our experience we have found that the quality of modern menstrual pads available in Sierra Leone is not effective because they are not absorbent enough. They cannot absorb the leakage properly. I say this because I have experienced this for many years. I have never used any menstrual pad but modern menstrual pads. I always doubled them before going out to avoid embarrassment or shame in public. The pain and discomfort I experienced during these periods was unbearable.
Reusable pads have a cotton or towel liner that prevents any sticking or overflow. Even though they have no super absorbents, they capture and contain your flow. You feel comfortable when you have them on, and they do not leak. They are safe. Reusable pads are the best for girls and women as well as for the environment.
From Engage issue 20.
SALIMATU S KOROMA • October 20, 2021
A moment to be proud of and a reminder of why young people’s voices matter. Today, artwork created by students from UNESCO ASPnet UK schools on the theme of peace was presented to Pope Leo XIV at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, alongside artwork from young people in other countries. What an amazing opportunity for our students to have their creativity, ideas and hopes represented on an international stage. For me, this is what UNESCO ASPnet is about: creating opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, express themselves creatively, learn from one another and imagine a better future together. The power of young people’s creativity: their voices being part of an international conversation about education, peace, culture and our shared future. UNESCO’s programme for Pope Leo XIV’s visit specifically focused on education, artistic creation, AI, information integrity and peace. The work was part of a mural that brings together 80 original creations marking UNESCO’s 80th anniversary, produced as part of the "International Youth for Peace" competition organized by France TV and UNESCO.
Most of us want to leave the world a little better than we found it. Whether that's through the people we love, the values we pass on, or the causes we care about, we all hope our legacy will make a difference. One of the simplest ways to do that is by writing a will. This autumn, we are proud to be taking part in the Change Starts with a Will campaign, allowing our supporters to write or update their will free of charge through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy. Why writing a will matters Writing a will isn't just about deciding who inherits your possessions. It's about making sure your wishes are respected and providing peace of mind for the people you care about. Having a will means you can: Protect the people you love. Make important decisions about your estate. Reduce uncertainty for your family. Leave a lasting gift to a cause that reflects your values. Many people put off writing a will, believing it's something to think about later in life. In reality, it's one of the most important documents you'll ever create. A legacy that supports education Steve Sinnott dedicated his life to championing education as a fundamental human right. His belief was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every teacher deserves the support they need to inspire future generations. Today, we continue that mission by working with partners across the world to improve access to quality education, strengthen teaching and support communities where education can change lives. When you choose to leave a gift in your will to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you're helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. After taking care of family and friends, even a small gift could help provide learning opportunities, strengthen education systems and create brighter futures for generations to come. A gift that lasts beyond a lifetime Legacy gifts play an important role in helping charities plan for the future. Your support could help us continue investing in sustainable education projects, supporting teachers and ensuring more children have access to the education they deserve. It's a powerful way to ensure your values live on long into the future. Write your will for free As part of our Autumn 2026 campaign, we're offering supporters the opportunity to write or update their will free of charge through Octopus Legacy. There is no obligation to leave a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, but we hope you'll consider remembering us after you've taken care of those closest to you. Together, we can continue Steve Sinnott's vision of a world where education changes lives. Find out more If you've been thinking about writing your will, there's never been a better time. Our free will service is available until 31 October 2026 , making it easy to protect the people you love while considering the lasting impact your legacy could have on education worldwide. https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?channel=partner Change starts with a will. And together, we can help create a future where education is accessible to everyone.
Seeds of Hope are everywhere! “I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Stage at the Lake…” But it was special to meet all of the Calderdale team in person, who had brought this four-day event together so successfully. Sometimes an event stays with you long after the final performance has finished. My visit to Stage at the Lake at the beautiful Shibden Hall in Calderdale was one of those occasions. As UNESCO ASPnet UK Coordinator, I was delighted to be invited as a guest, but what I experienced was much more than simply attending an event. Here, in the grounds of a house steeped in history, the past, present and future seemed to meet. The English Chamber Orchestra filled the setting with music, Northern Ballet brought movement and storytelling to life, and throughout there was a wonderful sense of creativity, community and possibility. And then there were the parklets; a unique gardening festival at Shibden Park celebrating community, creativity and the power of nature to bring people together. At its heart was a specially commissioned trail of ten micro show gardens, designed and built by community groups from across Calderdale. It was wonderful to see spaces where ideas, conversations and creativity were flourishing and connecting through Seeds of Hope. I cannot wait to see them transported to their ‘forever homes’. Standing there, I found myself thinking about what we mean when we talk about education, culture and hope.
