By: Ginaba Lino
Over 1,000 schoolgirls in the Gorom Refugee Settlement have received dignity kits from Malteser International as part of ongoing efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and support girls’ education.
The distribution targeted both primary and secondary schoolgirls, aiming to ensure that girls remain safe, clean, and confident in the classroom—especially during their menstrual cycles, which can often be a barrier to school attendance.
Speaking during the distribution, Fardos Mohammed, a student at Godo Primary School, expressed gratitude to Malteser International for the timely support.
“I’m very happy for the organization that has donated these kits to us. Living in a refugee camp, it’s difficult to buy such items due to the economic situation. This support encourages us to stay in school, especially for vulnerable girls who can’t afford hygiene products regularly,” she said.
Fardos noted that this wasn’t her first time benefiting from such assistance and described it as a strong contribution toward promoting girls’ education in the settlement.
Another student, Nawarig Hissen Abdallah, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the ongoing challenges young girls face in accessing hygiene kits due to lack of income.
“This support has come at the right time, and we are going to benefit from it both at home and in school. I thank Malteser International and urge my fellow girls to take care of the items and use them well,” Nawarig said.
Faida Munganga, a female hygiene promoter in Gorom, appreciated the initiative, saying it was her first time witnessing such a large-scale distribution targeting schoolgirls since arriving at the camp. She emphasized the importance of hygiene awareness, which remains a core focus of her work in the settlement.
Clement John Kenyi, WASH Project Manager at Malteser International, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting communities—especially schoolgirls—by providing menstrual hygiene kits to promote safe hygiene and help keep girls in school.
“It has been a challenge for girls in Gorom to access hygiene kits. We believe this donation will positively impact their academic performance and confidence, encouraging continued attendance and participation in school,” Kenyi said.
In addition to the dignity kits, Malteser is also distributing soap to over 1,000 households in the settlement to promote handwashing and household hygiene practices. These initiatives fall under the broader WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project currently being implemented at the camp.
Kenyi revealed that the current project phase is targeting 950 schoolgirls, particularly those in Primary 7 and 8, and secondary school, recognizing the specific needs of adolescent girls.
Each hygiene kit includes reusable sanitary pads, washing soap, Dettol liquid soap, and other essential items necessary for personal hygiene.
Despite ongoing support from the World Food Programme, which provides food to schools, access to basic services in Gorom—including education, clean water, health, and nutrition—remains a major challenge.
As a Catholic humanitarian organization, Malteser International continues to play a vital role in promoting girls’ empowerment, education, and health through its integrated WASH and school-based programs across Juba and the surrounding areas.