When I got home I started doing some research online. I found many websites that discussed the topic and that it is quite a problem for the girls in third world countries. The girls do not have the necessary supplies to be able to attend school while they have their cycle. So, girls are forced to miss a week of school each month. We are so blessed (and spoiled) to be able to drop by the closest department, grocery, or convenience store to pick up what we need but these girls do not have that luxury. Most of them use old rags, leaves, and even tree bark.
There has been some research done recently by the Uganda government that states that more than HALF of the girls that enroll in school in grade 1 drop out before finishing grade 6. That is incredibly tragic to me. We all know that if you educate and empower a girl you help the entire family and village.
I have been blessed to connect with a couple of quilting guilds in Birmingham, Alabama through a friend's family friend. I LOVE how God works in times like this. With their help over the following 2 trips we have been able to provide over 150 girls with 3 reusable cloth sanitary pads and 3 pairs of panties.
Below are some pictures from the first time I was able to distribute the pads. The girls were incredibly sweet and MORTIFIED at the same time. I didn't know why there was a pattern for a drawstring bag on the pattern/instructions we were using so we didn't make them. Well, I quickly figured it out when we started distributing them because the girls were so embarrassed because they didn't have anything to put them in so the BOYS wouldn't see. We have since started making the bags. :-)
This is a finished product with the exception of the velcro or snap to fasten under the panty.
These are the first recipients of the pads. They are from Kyamagamule.
Each girl kneeled and said "thank you"
Laura Knetzer, founder of Mercy Uganda distributing pads to girls in Kayapas, Karamoja.
If you would like to help support this project by sewing the pads and/or drawstring pads, by purchasing fabric, by purchasing panties in sizes girls 10-women 6, or by donating money towards purchasing the panties please feel free to contact me at ezekiel37medical@gmail.com. Perhaps you know someone who likes to sew and you'd be willing to share this blog with them as well. I have the pattern and instructions that I can email. The sky is the limit for this project and it will never end.
God Bless,
Becky
