By Waure Eddy.
Forty adolescent school girls from three primary schools in Madebe Payam have received dignity kits from the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace as part of the Emergency Response and Recovery to Internally Displaced Persons project funded by CAFOD and Trocaire in partnership.
The distribution to students at St. Mary Primary School, Good Shepherd Primary School, and Zereda IDPs Primary School included essential hygiene items: washing soap, bathing soap, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary pads, a dignity bag, and nail clipper.
The program also rehabilitated two boreholes to improve access to clean water for schools and surrounding communities, addressing multiple dimensions of school sanitation and hygiene.
Supporting Girls’ Education
Project Manager Mr. Gigaragbere Emmanuel encouraged girls to remain committed to education despite challenges, emphasizing CODEP’s broader commitment to educational support.
“Parents should focus on the education of their children for their future life. We are working hard to bring projects that will also support education and teachers’ welfare. We hope our donors will give us another chance so that more communities can benefit,” he said.
School Leadership Recognition
Head Teacher Mr. Samson Dobill Amman of St. Mary Primary School welcomed the initiative, noting its impact on keeping girls in school.
“We thank CODEP for their hospitality towards the school girls. These kits help them remain in school and continue their education without interruption,” he remarked.
Student Appreciation
Student beneficiaries expressed gratitude and acknowledged the program’s significance for their menstrual health and educational continuity.
Seba John from St. Mary Primary School said, “We appreciate the organization for caring for us. These kits will help us a lot.”
Suzan Mary Tito from Good Shepherd Primary School highlighted the economic significance of the donation: “This dignity kit will help us especially during menstruation. Sometimes it is hard to afford these items in the market, but today we are receiving them for free. We thank our donors through the Bishop and CODEP.”
Nancy Mario from Zereda IDPs Primary School acknowledged the program’s role in preventing school dropout: “We are happy as school girls to continue with education without dropping out. We thank the Bishop and CODEP team for making this day happen.”
Addressing Menstrual Health Barriers
The dignity kit program addresses a critical barrier to girls’ education in post-conflict settings. Limited access to sanitary products often forces girls to miss school during menstruation, contributing to educational gaps and potential dropout.
By providing dignity kits containing essential menstrual hygiene products, CODEP enables girls to attend school consistently and maintain their educational progress.
Broader Impact and Future Plans
CODEP continues advocating for continued support to reach additional affected communities in Western Equatoria State and beyond, aiming to restore dignity and normalcy to those impacted by violence and displacement.
The organization’s multifaceted approach—combining emergency humanitarian assistance with investments in water infrastructure and educational support—reflects comprehensive understanding of displacement’s complex impacts on vulnerable populations.
As the Emergency Response and Recovery project approaches completion, beneficiary communities and school leaders appeal for project extension to address the ongoing needs of displaced populations and school-age children in Ibba County.
