GRANDMA MARTHA HYGIENE KITS FOR GIRLS

Grandma Martha's Hygiene Kits for Girls: Bridging the Gap, One Kit at a Time

About Us:

Welcome to Grandma Martha's Hygiene Kits for Girls, a heartfelt initiative that originated from the compassionate hearts of Missy Onoh and Martha Taylor in June 2020. This noble project is a part of the Hope for a Village, Haiti mission, dedicated to empowering young girls in the remote villages of Cotes-de-Fer, Haiti.

Our Founders:

Missy Onoh, a native of Cotes-de-Fer, intimately understands the challenges faced by young girls due to the unavailability of essential menstrual supplies. Partnered with Martha Taylor, whose heart resonates deeply with the cause, they embarked on this mission of compassion and change. Their journey began during the pandemic when they collaborated on a mask-sewing project for the Branson community. In their conversations, Grandma Martha, a witness to the plight of Haitian girls in the 1980s, inquired about menstrual hygiene. To their dismay, they discovered that little had changed since then, especially in remote areas like Cotes-de-Fer.

Our Vision for 2023/2024:

Currently, we are gearing up to create a significant impact. Our goal for 2023/2024 is to introduce Grandma Martha's Hygiene Kits for Girls Project to four new schools in Cote-de-Fer. Two schools will be included in the fall, with an additional two in the spring, coinciding with the new school year. By expanding our reach, we aspire to bring dignity, freedom, and education to numerous young girls, ensuring they never miss school due to their periods.

The Menstruation Challenge:

Did you know that menstruating girls and young women often miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products? In a recent health education initiative at the National School in Villa, Director DISNA, situated in a remote village in Cotes-de-Fer, we were confronted with a harsh reality. When we asked the girls about the accessibility of period pads, a staggering 75% expressed their inability to afford disposable pads. In many cases, these products were simply unavailable in their villages. Consequently, many girls missed school during their periods, hindering their education and dreams.

Our Impact:

Grandma Martha's Hygiene Kits for Girls is a solution that empowers these young girls. By providing reusable, sustainable hygiene kits, we grant them the freedom to attend classes with confidence and pride. No longer do they have to stay at home during their periods. With our program, they can manage their periods discreetly and comfortably, ensuring that their education is never compromised.

Join Us in Making a Difference:

We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, can make a world of difference. Together, we can break the barriers that hold these girls back, ensuring they have equal access to education and a brighter, more promising future.

Together, we can make menstrual equity a reality. Welcome to Grandma Martha's Hygiene Kits for Girls, where every kit symbolizes a step towards a more empowered, educated, and hopeful tomorrow.

Empowering Girls: Breaking Period Taboos, Building Confidence

At Hope for a Village, we believe in empowering young girls, breaking societal taboos, and nurturing confidence. Investing in menstrual hygiene management isn't just about improving school attendance; it's about breaking down barriers of shame and stigma associated with periods.

Our Educational Initiatives:We recently conducted comprehensive educational sessions with 50 young ladies, delving into vital topics such as female and male anatomy, abstinence, sexual reproduction, family planning, and safe sanitary hygiene practices. These discussions, led by our dedicated team, aimed to foster self-protection, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the natural processes of the human body.

Providing Sustainable Menstrual Kits:Following these sessions, we distributed sustainable menstrual kits to the young ladies. These kits not only include necessary hygiene products but also come with valuable lessons on usage and care. We ensured that every girl felt equipped and prepared to face her periods confidently.

Empowering Boys as Allies:We didn't stop at educating the girls. We also engaged young men in conversations about puberty and menstruation. By fostering understanding and empathy, we encouraged boys to be allies, reducing the stigma faced by their female peers. This dialogue is instrumental in building a supportive environment where every student feels respected and valued.

Supporting School Staff:Additionally, we provided training to school staff, particularly the school’s secretaries, on kit preparation, repairs, and replacements. This proactive approach ensures that the girls have a reliable support system within the school premises. Repair kits, along with extra pads, were provided, emphasizing the importance of a safe, private restroom equipped with proper hygiene facilities.

Gratitude and Legacy:We are immensely grateful for the support we've received, enabling us to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young students. Our Grandma Martha Hygiene Kits for Girls Project is a testament to the enduring legacy of love and care, embodied by individuals like Mama Martha and her granddaughter Stephanie Alicia. Every time a girl uses these kits, they honor the memory of these remarkable women.

Join Our Cause:We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Your support not only provides essential supplies but also nurtures confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging among these young girls. Together, we can break barriers, empower minds, and create a future where every girl faces her periods with pride, not shame.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Missy Onoh
Co-Founder of Grandma Martha Hygiene Kits for Girls Project
Hope for a Village Founder / President

Help a girl stay in school to receive the education she deserves.