Foundation distributes dignity kits to adolescent girls in Gombe

The Ubola Rural Community Foundation (URCF) in collaboration with the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), has distributed dignity kits to over 600 students in Gombe State, aimed at improving hygiene and helping them focus on their studies. Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution at the Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, the Executive Chairman of URCF, […]

The Ubola Rural Community Foundation (URCF) in collaboration with the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), has distributed dignity kits to over 600 students in Gombe State, aimed at improving hygiene and helping them focus on their studies.

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution at the Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, the Executive Chairman of URCF, Pharmacist Musa Dauda, said the foundation is targeting to reach 600 adolescent girls and boys to support their education and personal hygiene.

The dignity kits, which include sanitary pads, hair cream, sanitary towels, and underwear, were designed to provide students, especially girls, with the essential items they need to maintain their dignity while in school.

Pharm. Dauda stated that the distribution of the kits was part of a larger initiative aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children in the state.

According to him, the initiative was designed to restore hope and dignity to those who have been affected by the devastating impact of insurgency in the Northeast sub-region.

He also highlighted the health risks posed by the use of unhygienic menstrual materials, which can lead to infections and other diseases.

“We must change the narrative by challenging harmful norms, ensuring every girl attends school and participates fully without fear, and has access to dignity kits.

“The purpose of the exercise is the restoration of dignity, self-worth to students, especially the female students, and also the boys because of equity. We want to encourage school enrolment for girl-child by promoting menstrual hygiene, dignity, and education.

“No girl should miss school because she cannot afford sanitary pads. Many girls in rural communities face shame, stigma, and serious setbacks in education simply because of a natural biological process. For the purpose of sustainability, we involve the NEDC, MDAs, and NGOs to encourage them and have their buy-in so that they would take over and ensure the continuation of the programme,” he explained.

The State Coordinator of NEDC, Arch. Usman Muhammad commended the foundation for the distribution and also reiterated the commission’s commitment to the health and well-being of society.

He noted that the distribution of the kits would help in restoring dignity and provide essential support to both male and female students.