On October 11th, 2025, I experienced something that deeply touched my heart. Together with my colleagues from Families Without Borders Alumni and W.M.I Scholars, visited Baptist Junior Secondary School in Makeni to celebrate the

International Day of the Girl Child.

I’ve attended many community service projects before, but this one was different. It felt personal, maybe because it reminded me of my own journey as a young girl growing up in a society where conversations about menstrual health were often whispered, hidden, or completely ignored. Being there, helping to change that narrative, filled me with purpose and pride.

The theme for the day was centered on menstrual health awareness and breaking the stigma that surrounds it. We wanted every child, both girls and boys, to understand that menstruation is not a taboo, but a natural part of life. To create a safe and comfortable space, we organized separate discussions for boys and girls. The boys were guided by our male volunteers, who did an incredible job engaging them in open conversations about understanding menstruation and showing respect towards girls. The boys were divided into groups discussing and taking them through fun quizzes. I was so impressed by their openness and curiosity. It was inspiring to see young boys learning empathy, something that will shape the kind of men they become in the future.

Meanwhile, I joined the girls’ group, and that session was both practical and powerful. We talked about menstrual hygiene management, pregnancy prevention, and the importance of self-care. Then came the most exciting part, teaching them

how to make reusable sanitary pads using simple, locally available materials. The moment the girls held the pads they had made with their own hands, I saw joy and confidence on their faces. For some of them, it was the first time learning that they could manage their periods safely, affordably, and with dignity. In that moment, I felt tears in my eyes, not of sadness, but of hope. Hope that these girls will grow up knowing that their bodies are not something to be ashamed of, but something to be respected and celebrated.

As the event ended, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. We didn’t just teach menstrual health, we planted seeds of confidence, knowledge, and change. The conversations that started in those classrooms will continue long after we’ve left, shaping how these students view themselves and others. For me, that’s what empowerment truly means, not just giving information, but awakening strength and understanding within people. Looking back, that day reminded me why I chose to serve by volunteering with Families Without Borders as an Alumni of the organization. It reminded me that

change begins with compassion and conversation, and that when girls and boys learn to understand and respect each other, we are one step closer to building a more equal world.

That day at Baptist Junior Secondary School wasn’t just a project. It was a movement of hearts, a reminder that every voice matters, and every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and be heard.