As part of its efforts to promote health, wellness, and education among young people, the Development Initiative for Youth, Excellence, Progress, and Stability organized a sensitization program for students at Gwarinpa Secondary School to educate them on menstrual hygiene and the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
Speaking during the sensitization on Friday, Ambassador Courage Chigere Uchechi said, the program was designed to promote awareness and understanding among students about menstrual health and hygiene, as well as to encourage them to adopt healthy habits and practices.
She emphasized the importance of Valentine’s Day, stressing that it is not just a day for romantic love, but also a day to show love, kindness, and compassion to oneself and others.
According to her, the armed of the program was to educate students on the importance of maintaining healthy relationships, respecting boundaries, and promoting self-love.
Courage informed that the Development Initiative for Youth, Excellence, Progress, and Stability is a non-profit organization that aims to promote education, health, and wellness among young people in Nigeria.
During the program, students were given sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene products, and were encouraged to speak out and seek help if they were facing any challenges related to their menstrual health.
“Valentine’s Day is not just for couples, but for everyone to share love, kindness, and compassion. “It’s about being patient, persevering, and showing empathy towards one another.”
Responding, the Vice principal, GSS qwarinpa Secondary school, Bilkisu Ibrahim applauded the Development Initiative for Youth, Excellence, Progress and stability for organizing a sensitization program for students on Valentine’s Day, teaching them about menstrual hygiene, and health.
In her remarks, the Principal commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of educating students on these critical issues.
She encouraged the students to feel free to discuss their menstrual health concerns with trusted individuals, assuring them that the school would provide support and care.
The Principal’s comments underscored the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to discuss their health concerns, particularly those related to menstrual hygiene.
One of the student, Buba Theresa Tella expressed her gratitude for the timely sensitization program on menstrual hygiene, sharing how it has empowered her to take pride in herself and overcome her previous struggles with shame and absenteeism.
“I used to feel so shy and embarrassed when I was on my period,” she said. “I would often stay home from school because I didn’t know how to manage my menstrual health. But after this sensitization program, I feel more confident and empowered.”
