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GIRLS EDUCATION

Regrettably, school-aged girls in Guinea will miss lessons during their menstruation cycle or drop out of school altogether when they start menstruating. This is largely due to a lack of sanitary products; appropriate toilet facilities; bullying and stigma surrounding menstruation, largely driven by a lack of knowledge and education.

Here at URBOND, we are on a mission to change this. Against a target of 20%, we have been able to increase girls’ attendance with our partner school to 62.2% within just 18 months.

And that is not all. We are also working with partners to increase the school attendance of girls in the Republic of Guinea by providing them with menstrual equipment and a better understanding of their bodies. This will stop them from dropping out of school due to period poverty and a lack of awareness about menstruation.

And even more than that, we are actively educating all genders to break the stigma and ensure this is not a barrier to education. We want to continue this essential work, but to do so we really need your help. Just £10 can provide a menstruation kit and an enlightening and vital discussion with a group of children.
To support our vital work with children's education in Guinea please call us on +44(0)2392293765, Email us on childeducation@urbond.org or simply make a donation
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CHILDRENS STORIES

"I felt embarrassed to be a girl and felt like it was a punishment,” recalled 14-year-old Aicha, describing her first period.

She was in class in Dubreka, Republic of Guinea, when it happened. Luckily for her, it was coming to the end of the class for the day and people were leaving to go home so she waited with her friend for nearly 2 hours with blood all over her uniform. After everyone left, her friend looked around for a cloth to manage the blood. “I was not knowledgeable about how and why it happens, and what to expect. So, naturally, I was scared, confused and I decided to leave school.”

Her experience is all too common in Dubreka, In the Republic of Guinea and Africa as a whole. Many young girls still lack basic knowledge about their bodies, and their sexual and reproductive health and struggle to access menstrual health kits. Many struggle with shame and taboos surrounding menstruation. These issues undermine girls’ health and rights. Girls can be subjected to stigma and bullying and many are leaving school due to difficulty managing their menstrual hygiene.

We have been working with schools, local leaders, partners and parents delivering training and equipment to support girls’ education. Over 10,000 young girls have received training and menstruation kits. In addition, we have been campaigning in communities to stop period shaming in homes, schools and all other important spaces. Our aim being to prevent young girls from skipping or dropping out of school due to period poverty and a lack of awareness about menstruation.

Access to sanitary products, dignified treatment and education on menstrual health management is a human rights issue that all of us must strive for.
Mariama is twelve years old and lives in Dubreka, and she lives with her aunt. Following a bright start in which Mariama studied at Ecole Primaire d’Application, passing exams with flying colours, her aunt refused to let her study further and enrol in secondary education.

Upon further investigation from the dedicated team at URBOND, we uncovered the reasoning behind this decision, which was lack of finance.

Through URBOND’s support, Mariama was able to get back into education and is now enrolled in a secondary school where she is performing well. We are now seeking for a sponsor to support Mariama.

With £25 a month, Mariama will be supported to stay in school. The money will be used to support Mariama, with materials such as books; bags; textbooks, school lunch and other essential resources.

Without sponsorship, Mariama would not be able to carry on with her education, losing her opportunities and leaving unfulfilled potential in a young, bright girl.

The sponsorship programme is essential not just for giving girls like Mariama the gift of education, but also educating the community, such as Mariama’s aunt, on the importance of education and the ways in which URBOND can help. Please get in touch today and see the difference you can make.

In the heart of Guinea, six children live with their parents in a small one-bedroom flat. It is located twenty-five minutes arduous walk from school.

Kadiatou, the middle child, is extremely intelligent: top of her primary six class and regularly attending URBOND’s established English and IT classes. She loves English, and even delivered a speech in English at the International Girls’ Day Celebration. One day, she dreams of becoming a pilot, even though she has never seen an aeroplane.

“Why do you want to become a pilot Kadiatou?”

“Because one day I want to travel the world. And support my family.”

The only wage in the household is from Kadiatou’s dad. He earns £20 - £30 per month, which does not even cover the rent. With six children, the youngest aged two, Kadiatou’s mother cannot work.

For just £33 per month, we can keep Kadiatou in education and support her family. This contribution would be vital to ensuring the family can pay their rent, eat and send Kadiatou to school.

Any sponsored child will go to an URBOND partnered school, which means attendance and results can be easily monitored, and in return for sponsorship we can give you essential, life-affirming updates and photos showcasing the progress of the child.

If you can help, please contact us today. It means the world to give children like Kadiatou the gift of education, and to ensure they can follow their dreams. Help us to help them.