Her Excellency, Madam Fatima Maada Bio has on Thursday 21st January 2021 extended the distribution of her Free Sanitary pad to three major girlsโ schools in Freetown.
Methodist Girls High School (MGHS), Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) and St. Joseph Convent Secondary School were the three schools that benefited on day-two of the distribution exercise of the free sanitary pads.
Addressing the pupils before the distribution process, Madam Fatima Maada Bio said that the provision of Sanitary pad is part of the fundamental human right for girls because menstruation is not a choice but a biological reality.
She called on the girls not to stay silent on the issue of rape and they should avoid teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
Madam Fatima Maada Bio informed the girls that they were among the lucky few that would benefit from the goodwill and that each package of the pads cost little over $ 12 . The quality of the pads is of international standards.
First Lady reiterated that the purpose of the free sanitary pads is to keep girls safe in school during their menstrual period so that they can enjoy the Free Quality Education program introduce by President Julius Maada Bio. She said next year those who will benefit from the free pads distribution will be those with 90% record of school attendance in the academic year.
The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, the Hon. Moinina David Sengeh, called on parents to discuss the issue around menstruation with their children as that would help the girls to understand their body. He encouraged the pupils to study hard and give more time to their school work in order to be successful in their public exams. The governmentโs radical inclusion means leaving no one behind, in line with the Free Quality Education program.
Welcoming the First Lady and her team, the Principal of Methodist Girl High School, said it was a unique opportunity to have the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone in their school to give free sanitary pads to the pupils saying it was laudable venture on the part of the First Lady. She pointed out the government has provided free tuition fees, free Books and now that First Lady is distributing free sanitary pads for pupils, thus she admonished the pupils to make good use of the opportunity to empower themselves.
Strategic Communication Division
Office of The First Lady
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