By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
PLAN International with funding from the Canadian Government through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), on Friday, organized a One-day sensitization for Students of Special Education School, Bauchi, on how to manage menstrual hygiene issues while in school and at home in order to promote healthy lifestyle.
The sensitization programme was organized under the Adolescent Sexual and Representative Health in Nigeria (ASPIRE) project, in partnership with the Bauchi State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), to commemorate the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
In his remarks, Senior Project Manager, PLAN International, Nasiru Mohammed Musa, said that, Plan International is committed to promoting public health issues especially menstrual hygiene education among adolescent students including the physically challenged.
According to him, “For effective menstrual hygiene education, we have to do three important things. First, we must have the right knowledge about menstruation. Second, we must ensure that menstrual hygiene commodities are available. Third, we must have adequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities and equipment in place so that whenever there is a need to clean ourselves, we have the necessary resources to do so.”
He added that,”Therefore, our gathering here today is aimed at strengthening our knowledge of menstruation and making a commitment to educate others who are not present, so that everyone can understand what menstruation is and work towards ensuring a safe, healthy, and dignified menstrual experience for all.”
He added that,”We also have many of our colleagues (Boys) gathered here with us. What is the wisdom behind bringing them together? The reason is for them to support one another as they embark on and navigate their menstrual health journey.”
According to him, “PLAN International has been working in this area for a long time, and we are not doing it alone. We work closely with government and other stakeholders.”
He disclosed that, “In 2022, we implemented a project known as the KTC Project. During that period, we established pad banks in more than 90 schools across Three local government areas in Bauchi State. These included Ganjuwa, Ningi, and Toro Local Government Areas.”
Nasiru Mohammed added that, “Because of the successes recorded during that implementation period, we secured additional funding from the Government of Canada through the Global Affairs Canada to implement the ASPIRE Project.
Through this project, we have been supporting schools across ten local government areas by establishing pad banks and working with government institutions to develop policies that promote and support the establishment and sustainability of pad banks in schools.”
“We are delighted that this school is among those selected to benefit from this programme.
As part of the intervention, we established Health Clubs within schools. Through these clubs, we do more than provide pad banks. We educate students on menstrual health and hygiene, sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, and other important life skills that help them protect themselves and make informed decisions.” he added.
According to him,”The goal is not for us to keep this information to ourselves, but to share it with our colleagues who are not members of the club, so that more young people can benefit from this knowledge.”
“On this note, I would like to sincerely thank the management of this school for providing us with a conducive environment to implement these activities. Your support and cooperation have been invaluable,” he concluded.
In her remarks, Principal of the School, Hajiya Jamila Salisu Garba, said, “We honor this important event and grateful to have PLAN International with us. On behalf of the management, staff, students, I extend my sincerely appreciation to the PLAN International for its dedication and commitment for promoting the health, dignity, and well-being of our children, the youth, the young ones.”
The Principal added that,”Your support demonstrates a strong commitment, ensuring every child, regardless of his/her disability, has access to the knowledge and resources needed to promote healthy living.”
“Thank you very much for choosing our special needs students to commemorate this week. Thank you very much,” She concluded.
In her remarks, Chairperson of Bauchi State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rashida Yusuf, highlighted that menstrual hygiene remain a priority for girls to remain in school.
She emphasized that such engagement would avert spreading of myths and misconception about Menstruation and proper hygiene.
Rashida Yusuf emphasized that NAWOJ would continue to promote activities that would empower women and girls across across the state.
She appreciated the Bauchi state Government for creating an enablng environment for partners to contribute to the reproductive health issues
During the programme, experts in menstrual hygiene were invited to give lectures to the students as well as taught them how to make reusable sanitary pads.
They were also presented with packages containing different items required to be used during the menstrual cycle process.
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