PAD DRIVE & GIRLS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

In November 2025, my friends and I visited a church in Dongokundu, Mombasa County in Kenya for a youth service. Upon arrival, I noticed several young girls who appeared needy and vulnerable. Seeing them deeply touched my heart, and I felt strongly in my spirit that I needed to do something to support them.

After returning home, I organized a Pad Drive Initiative with the aim of restoring dignity, promoting hygiene, and empowering young girls through education. I thank God that a few well-wishers responded positively and donated towards the cause. Through these contributions, we were able to purchase sanitary pads, bathing soaps, toothbrushes, and pens for the girls.

In addition to providing essential items, I prepared a lesson plan titled “Understanding Adolescence, Puberty, Menstruation and Self-Care.” The goal of the lesson was to educate the girls about the physical and emotional changes they experience as they grow, to demystify menstruation, promote proper hygiene practices, and encourage self-confidence and self-worth.

I then contacted the pastor of the church and requested him to mobilize young girls aged 9–18 years, and to allow the church premises to be used as the venue for the session. He graciously accepted and fully supported the initiative.

On Saturday, 13th December 2025, we visited the church at Dongokundu and successfully conducted the Pad Drive and empowerment session. The girls were attentive, engaged, and eager to learn. We created a safe and open environment where they could ask questions freely, share their concerns, and receive accurate information about their bodies and personal care.

Each girl received a dignity pack containing sanitary pads, soap, a toothbrush, and a pen. The session concluded with encouragement, prayers, and words of affirmation, reminding the girls that they are valued, capable, and deserving of care and respect.

This initiative not only addressed an immediate need but also planted seeds of knowledge, confidence, and hope in the lives of these young girls. We are grateful to God, the donors, and the church leadership for making this outreach a success.

In collaboration with XANDRA LYNN

We seek to expand the Pad Drive Initiative to more communities, incorporate follow-up mentorship sessions, and engage more partners to ensure sustainable menstrual health support for girls.

You can reach to us via Email: wemakeyousmile247@gmail.com