The Centre for Human Rights, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) held a crucial follow-up meeting with the Rivers State Ministry of Education to further discuss the implementation of the Advocacy for Legislative Action on Menstrual health (ALAM-H) project; a strategic initiative aimed at championing menstrual health advocacy and environmental sustainability.
The meeting, held at the Director of Basic Education’s office, was attended by representatives from both CHHELD and the Ministry. The CHHELD representatives included Maureen Udeagha and Boloukie Samuel, while the Ministry of Education was represented by Mr. Owumbu Emmanuel (Director of Basic and Technical Education), Mr. George Iyagba (Assistant Director), Dr. Bertha Esukeme Pius, and Mrs. Dorathy Oloboh (Assistant Director).
During the discussions, CHHELD provided an overview of the ALAM-H Project with support from Rise Up, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring access to ecofriendly reusable sanitary pads for female students. The organization highlighted that a prior survey had been conducted in public schools within Khana LGA to assess existing WASH facilities and the necessity of establishing pad banks to provide free sanitary pads to students. The project, which targets 10 selected public secondary schools in the four districts of Khana is set to reduce absenteeism and improve students’ overall well-being.
The CHHELD team formally requested an approval letter from the Ministry of Education to gain access to the selected schools for project implementation, to generate data on the prevalence of period poverty, menstrual hygiene management, sanitation facilities and environmental impact of menstrual products among females in public secondary schools and communities in Khana LGA of Rivers State
Acknowledging the importance of the initiative, the Ministry proposed a possible partnership with CHHELD to expand the ALAM-H Project to other LGAs, contingent on the project’s success in Khana.
In response, Mr. Owumbu Emmanuel, Director of Basic and Technical Education, assured CHHELD that an approval letter would be issued. He also committed to assigning a Ministry representative to support the CHHELD team during project implementation in the schools. Additionally, the Ministry requested that CHHELD present a detailed breakdown of the project’s timeline, specifying the dates, times, and modes of engagement with students.
This engagement marks a significant step toward ensuring that young girls in public schools have access to proper menstrual hygiene support, thereby fostering their educational growth and personal well-being.
CHHELD is dedicated to promoting human rights, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The ALAM-H Project aligns with CHHELD’s mission to improve the well-being of young girls by ensuring access to menstrual health and hygiene resources, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment.