Shalom Rescue Foundation-Sierra Leone

Shalom Rescue Foundation Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day by Distributing Sanitary and Hygiene Products to Girls from Five Schools

In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Shalom Rescue Foundation proudly organized a meaningful outreach event under the theme “Help Save My Period.” This impactful initiative reached girls from Regent Square Municipal Primary School, Kroobay Municipal Primary School, Dr. S.M. Broderick Municipal Primary School, FAWE School, and Rural Education Committee Primary School Sussex (Old York Road, Freetown Peninsula). During the outreach, we distributed sanitary pads and essential hygiene products to support the menstrual health and well-being of the students.

The event aimed to break the stigma surrounding menstruation, raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, and equip young girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their periods with dignity. In many marginalized communities, girls continue to face period poverty, leading to school absenteeism, emotional distress, and long-term disadvantages. Through this outreach, Shalom Rescue Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health, dignity, and rights of adolescent girls.

Beyond the distribution of care packages, our team led interactive educational sessions focused on menstrual health, debunking harmful myths, and encouraging open conversations. These sessions created safe spaces where girls felt supported, heard, and empowered. During our visits, we engaged students in open dialogue to normalize menstruation and address the real challenges girls face when access to proper menstrual care is limited.

We emphasized that menstruation should never be a source of shame, nor a reason for missing school or compromising one’s health. The response from the girls was both powerful and emotional—many expressed their gratitude, sharing how important it was to feel acknowledged and supported. For some, it was their first opportunity to speak openly about their experiences.

By investing in menstrual health, we are not only protecting physical well-being but also boosting confidence, improving school attendance, and advancing gender equality. This initiative is a reflection of Shalom Rescue Foundation’s broader mission to empower vulnerable and underprivileged individuals through holistic, community-driven support.

At Shalom Rescue Foundation, we recognize that period poverty is a barrier to gender equality, and we remain committed to changing that reality. Through initiatives like this, we aim to protect the rights, health, and futures of girls across Sierra Leone—one school, one conversation, and one care package at a time.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, the staff of Regent Square Municipal Primary School, Kroobay Municipal Primary School, Dr. S.M. Broderick Municipal Primary School, FAWE School, and Rural Education Committee Primary School Sussex (Old York Road, Freetown Peninsula), as well as to all our supporters who made this outreach possible.

Together, we are creating a world where no girl has to choose between her education and her period.

1. Madam Isatu Bangura’s Journey: From Struggle to Success

Meet Isatu, who grew up in a small, overcrowded home where survival was a daily struggle. As a child, the harsh realities of life weighed heavily on her dreams, leaving little hope for the future. But she turned to what she knew best—her hands. She watched in fascination as women in her community braided hair and began practicing tirelessly on her younger siblings and friends. What started as a hobby became a passion, and soon, she was braiding hair to earn money and support her family. Determined to succeed, she saved every penny, learned new techniques, and built a loyal clientele.

Through perseverance and skill, Isatu turned her small hustle into a thriving business. Today, she is not only a successful hair braider but also a source of inspiration. Remembering her struggles, she now volunteers with the Shalom Rescue Foundation, mentoring young people in the art of hair braiding. She empowers marginalized youth with skills that open doors to financial independence and a brighter future.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Madam Isatu Bangura—a young woman who turned hardship into opportunity, rose above adversity, and now lifts others as she climbs. Her journey is a testament to resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of women. When women are given the chance to thrive, they don’t just change their own lives—they uplift entire communities.