YLN Establishes Pad Banks In Bauchi Schools To Improve Menstrual Hygiene, Boost Girls’ Attendance

By Sani Adamu Hassan

The Young Leaders Network (YLN), a Bauchi-based non-governmental organisation, has donated pad banks and sanitary materials to two secondary schools in Bauchi State to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among adolescent girls.

The beneficiary schools are Special Education Centre, Yelwa, Bauchi, and Hope Academy, Bauchi.

The intervention was carried out under the EmpowerHER Adolescent Girls Mentorship Club through the Strengthening Advocacy for Girls’ Education (SAGE) Project, implemented in partnership with the Malala Fund.

Each school received a branded pad bank and 100 packs of sanitary pads to ensure girls do not miss classes due to menstruation.

Speaking on the initiative, Charity Solomon, Programs Manager, Quality and Inclusive Education at Young Leaders Network, said the donation was aimed at protecting girls’ dignity and keeping them in school.

“We are donating these items to ensure that no girl stays at home because she is menstruating. No girl should suffer shame or embarrassment because of a natural process,” she said.
She explained that the SAGE Project focuses on improving equitable access to secondary education for girls, strengthening gender-responsive education policies, and promoting sustainable education financing.

At the Special Education Centre, Yelwa, the Principal, Ameera Salisu Garba, described the support as timely.

“Some of our students stay away from school during menstruation, while others resort to using rags. This donation will go a long way in supporting them, especially as they are students with special needs,” she said.

One of the school’s Head Girls, Ummi Salma Hassan, said the initiative had improved awareness of menstrual hygiene among students.

“We are grateful because girls in our school now understand better how to take care of themselves and stay clean,” she said.

Another student leader, Rukayat Ahmed, an SS3 student, noted that the donation would particularly support older girls who previously struggled to access sanitary materials.

At Hope Academy, the Principal, Mr. Stevenson Adejo, said the pad banks would help the school respond quickly to emergencies.

“We have had situations where students start menstruating unexpectedly and are not prepared. This donation will help us provide immediate support,” he said.

The school’s Vice Principal added that the management would work with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and other stakeholders to sustain the initiative.

Also speaking, the Head Girl, Matina Irmiya, thanked YLN for restoring dignity and confidence to female students.

“Some students cannot afford sanitary pads. This initiative gives girls confidence and dignity,” she said.

Charity Solomon called on government agencies, civil society organisations, and philanthropists to replicate the initiative across the state to make schools safer and more supportive for girls.

YLN disclosed that the pad bank programme would also be extended to Government Senior Secondary School, Bauchi, as part of its broader efforts to promote gender-responsive education and keep girls in school.