Street Aid Africa Foundation empowers Lagos schoolgirls through menstrual hygiene education

Eighty female students of Lanre Awolokun High School, Gbagada, Lagos, have received practical lessons on menstrual hygiene management and personal care during an outreach organised by Street Aid Africa Foundation (SAAF).

The one-hour programme was designed to equip adolescent girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage menstruation safely while promoting healthy hygiene habits and personal development.

During the interactive session, facilitators educated the students on the importance of good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing, oral care, bathing, and maintaining clean clothes, hair, and nails.

The students were also taught that menstruation is a normal part of adolescence and received practical guidance on the proper use of sanitary pads, the importance of changing them regularly, maintaining hygiene during their menstrual periods, and the safe disposal of used sanitary products. A practical demonstration on sanitary pad disposal formed part of the session.

To make the lessons more engaging, participants were introduced to the Siisii Red Period Song, an educational initiative that uses music to promote menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls.

Beyond menstrual health, the outreach provided an opportunity for students to ask questions about self-esteem, personal development, decision-making, and future aspirations, creating an open environment for learning and mentorship.

To support the awareness campaign, Street Aid Africa Foundation distributed 90 hygiene packages containing essential menstrual and personal hygiene items to students and female teachers.

Founded by Nancy Ogbue, Street Aid Africa Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children through education, mentorship, advocacy, health awareness, and community-based interventions. The foundation has continued to implement programmes aimed at supporting children and young people with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

The menstrual hygiene outreach is one of the foundation’s ongoing initiatives to promote adolescent health, encourage healthy hygiene practices, and empower girls to stay confident and focused on their education.