Sierra Leone Positive Periods

Introduction 

The Foundation has been working with teachers and educators in The Gambia and Sierra Leone over the past 2 years to pilot a project to enable girls who miss 50 days a year due to having their menstrual period access to reusable period pads. We have called this project “Positive Periods”.

We were invited by the Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) initially to pilot this project and since then we have carried out research on the most effective and sustainable way for all girls to access this opportunity.

Here is an update on progress in Sierra Leone.

The recent training in August is part of the Positive Periods Program to train Home Economics and Health Science teachers in the preparation of reusable sanitary pads for school girls. It is part of the efforts to support girls in reducing the 50 days of absenteeism they often experience due to their menstruation. Girls in many parts of Sierra Leone are faced with numerous challenges in taking care of their menstruation which leads to absenteeism, lack of adequate period pads results in the use of materials that could lead to infection which endangers their health.  

Successes


Despite the COVID19 outbreak leading to the closure of schools affecting the implementation of this training taking place in schools, the teachers were determined to ensure the Positive Periods Program does not stop altogether.


On the day of the most recent training, 15 teachers from 6 schools in Makeni, participated actively in the training exercises in a safe and socially distanced class. They were trained in using both their hands and sewing machines to ensure that they help girls in their various schools in preparing the sanitary pads themselves. The teachers expressed delight on the refresher training as some teachers who were initially trained in their schools had left for other jobs and new teachers have been recruited, calling them to a training when government has issued a statement on the reopening of school in October this year was seen to them as a welcoming news.

Comparative benefits of the reusable sanitary pads for girls (Impacts of reusable pads)


During the training, it was estimated that preparing ten (10) set of pads cost less than £ 1 which is around Le 10,000 and could be used for minimum six (6) months if prepared well which means a girl and her family could save a minimum of £ 5 around Le 50,000 within that period instead of buying pads which is seen as a burden among poor households and those who could not afford tend to stay at home within their menstrual periods contributing significantly to absenteeism among girls.


The teachers also received training in menstrual health best practice so they can support girls who have health issues.


Teachers told us that the main benefits of the reusable pads are:


  • Cost Effective for girls and women.
  • The pads can be washed and reused.
  • The pads are environmentally friendly.
  • Increases girl’s confidence in themselves as they can make them for themselves.
  • Accessible to everyone.


Feedback from teachers on the Day


Hassan. S. Kamara: “This is a concept that change the narrative of what we call a community self-project which empowers students, teacher and community women. I will continue to give the coordinator the support and I believe this training should take place every month until all girls have had the opportunity”.


Haja Z Tarawallie: “The disposable pads are expensive, can also cause health problem because of the chemical they use to prepare it. The Reusable sanitary pads are affordable, it can protect the environment and help to retain our girls in school”


Lucinda M. Mansaray: “The reusable sanitary pads are useful for both students and community women. They can sit comfortably and make pads and share the learning with their sisters and friends”.


Mariatu Sesay: “I will make sure I educate the community women on this reusable sanitary pads making”.


Ibrahim S. Sesay: “As a male teacher and also a father, this reusable pad is very helpful it has lessened the burden on buying the disposable pads monthly because my wife is now using it. I will also help to educate other girls and women”.


Ahmed S Faroh: “we all have a responsibility to support girls school by way of supporting them with the skills and knowledge by creating a safe environment for their personal hygiene and reduce their 50 days’ absenteeism”

Isata M Kamara - Project Manager Sierra Leone • September 1, 2020

Octopus Legacy - Create a FREE will

By Steve Sinnott • January 16, 2026
We have partnered with Octopus Legacies to offer all of our supporters a free and easily accessible way of writing your will. When you write your will, you’re shaping the story of your life and you have the power to make that story continue. By taking up our free will offer and leaving a gift to The Steve Sinnott Foundation, you can help ensure that children and teachers around the world continue to have access to the education and training that they need. The offer of a free will helps you to plan for the future with ease and reassurance, ensuring loved ones are cared for while also creating a meaningful legacy. It’s a simple, accessible way to do something that feels personally fulfilling and socially impactful. Leave a legacy — help education flourish for generations to come As part of the free will writing process, we hope you will consider leaving a legacy gift to the Foundation. Leaving a legacy gift ensures that your values live on by supporting the Foundation’s mission to advance quality education for all. Your gift can help transform lives, enabling children, teachers, and communities around the world to access learning opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach and make a lasting impact on global education. Why leave a legacy gift? 1. Make a lasting impact on global education Your legacy can open classroom doors, train teachers, and empower communities through the gift of learning. Every legacy, large or small, helps to build a world where everyone has the chance to learn and thrive. 2. Reflect your values and inspire others Your will is a reflection of what matters most to you. By including The Steve Sinnott Foundation, supporters can express their belief in fairness, opportunity, and the power of education to change lives long after their own lifetime and inspire future generations. 3. Peace of mind with a free, professional will Through our free will offer, you can write or update your will with trusted professionals at no cost to you. It’s an easy, reassuring way to care for your loved ones and make a meaningful difference to others at the same time. Your gift will: Provide access to quality education for all children Support teachers and educators around the world Promote gender equality and inclusive education Strengthen communities through knowledge and opportunity Take the next step Leaving a legacy is simple and it starts with a conversation. Find out more about our free will offer Contact our friendly team at www.octopuslegacy.com/will/ssf to learn how you can create your will and make a lasting difference through education.

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