In Rwanda, schools are required to provide so-called girls’ rooms – protected places where girls can rest and take care of themselves during their menstruation. However, in many schools, the necessary funds to build these rooms and then fill them with life are not available. Together with the Arne Friedrich Foundation, we could build such a room in 2024 at the primary school in Ruli – a project that is very close to our hearts.
After intensive discussions with Marie and Virginie, the teachers responsible for the school’s Girls’ Club, it quickly became clear what was needed:
not just a room itself, but also appropriate equipment to really help the girls. We therefore provided financial means to purchase hygiene products, underwear, soap, and a water dispenser.
But that was not sufficient for us.
Together with our partner organization OSO, we conducted an interactive educational campaign. 30 girls and their teachers received practical hygiene training.
Topics such as menstruation, personal hygiene, cycle tracking, and the use of hygiene products were the focus. During the training, sanitary pads and underwear were distributed—but above all, knowledge, self-confidence, and openness were strengthened.
The participants are now multipliers: they pass on their knowledge to their classmates in grades 4 to 6 at the primary school in Ruli so that they too can learn to deal with the topic of menstruation confidently and naturally.
The target is clear:
No girl should have to miss school during her menstruation. Educational opportunities should not be prohibited by menstruation.
The response was overwhelming. The organizers, teachers, and pupils were all enthusiastic about the training and the new equipment. It was clear how much relief and pride this project brought – and how much it strengthened the sense of community.
To ensure that the support has a lasting effect, we have provided funds to ensure the supply of hygiene products in the near future.
We are proud to be working with the Arne Friedrich Foundation and OSO on this project to make an important contribution to the health, dignity, and education of girls in Ruli – and we would like to thank everyone who supports us on this journey.