More than 100 adolescent schoolgirls in Klikor, within the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, have benefited from the annual “Pads and Hamper” Christmas Charity Outreach organised by the Monica Hyde Foundation.
The event, held at the Klikor Unity School, brought together pupils, parents, teachers, community leaders, volunteers, and civic education advocates. Beyond the festive atmosphere, the outreach addressed a critical challenge affecting girls’ welfare and education: menstrual hygiene management.
Promoting Menstrual Hygiene, Dignity and Confidence
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Lopez Newton, Secretary of the Monica Hyde Foundation, said the initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader mission to support vulnerable girls through education, health advocacy, mentorship, and social assistance.
He explained that the “Pads and Hamper” programme goes beyond providing relief items, as it seeks to restore confidence, dignity, and hope, particularly for girls from low-income households who often struggle to access sanitary products.
“Our commitment as a Foundation is to ensure that no girl loses her dignity, education, or future because she cannot afford sanitary pads,” Mr. Newton stated.
“This initiative is designed to meet immediate needs while inspiring the girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.”
Supporting Education and Reducing Absenteeism
As part of the support package, beneficiaries received sanitary pads to encourage proper menstrual hygiene and help reduce school absenteeism associated with period poverty. The girls also received meals and Christmas hampers to share with their families, fostering a sense of inclusion and festive joy.
Community and Stakeholder Commendation
Madam Marie Gomez, the School Improvement Support Officer (SISO) for the Klikor West Circuit, commended the Monica Hyde Foundation for its consistency in promoting girl-child welfare and strengthening community-based education and health interventions.
She noted that many brilliant girls miss school due to avoidable challenges and praised the Foundation for stepping in to bridge that gap. Madam Gomez also appealed to other non-governmental organisations and benevolent individuals to support vulnerable children.
Mama Hodzige II, the Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), used the occasion to educate the girls on discipline, self-confidence, focus, and the importance of staying in school. She encouraged them to study hard, avoid negative peer influence, and make responsible life choices to become productive citizens who contribute to national development.
Some beneficiaries and parents expressed appreciation to the Foundation, noting that the support had renewed confidence and provided much-needed relief, especially during the festive season.
The event ended with songs, smiles, and messages of encouragement, reaffirming the Foundation’s guiding theme:
“Together We Serve Dignity, Joy and Purpose.”
Umm E Habiba,
Punjab, Pakistan.
