Empowering a Generation: AIESEC’s PadDrive and Mental Health Initiative at Chumbi High School
What happens when you mix AIESEC in K.U, AIESEC in JKUAT, and a bunch of sanitary pads? You get a day full of smiles, learning, and a whole lot of “aha!” moments.
Recently, the two AIESEC chapters teamed up for a pad drive tournament, raising funds to bring much-needed sanitary pads to the girls at Kyumbi Secondary School. But it wasn’t just about handing over the pads—it was about empowering a whole generation. It was about education and fostering a supportive community.
And let’s just say, this day was one forthe books!
The Event: Beyond Just Pads (But WeBrought Plenty!)
A group of enthusiastic AIESECers, armed with sanitary pads and lots of positive energy, made their way to Kyumbi Secondary School on the 27th of July 2024. The welcome? Warm and full ofexcitement. The air? Buzzing with anticipation. The mission? To break the silence on menstrual health with a message of confidence and openness.
The session started with an informative talk led by an engaging facilitator from Girls for Generations initiative. This initiative aims to empower girls not just for today but for generations to come; by ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual health with dignity. The focus was on breaking down the taboos surrounding menstruation and encouraging girls to embrace their bodies and their health without shame.
With the support of the #UsiKuweMshy slogan, the session became an open platform for discussion. The facilitator knew how to make everyone comfortable—yes, even the boys! Questions were asked, myths were debunked, and by the end of it, everyone seemed a lot more confident about something that’s often kept hush-hush.
Pads and Mental Health: A Balanced Day
Next up, there was a shift from menstrual hygiene to mental health, thanks to a session led by the HUGs, a norganization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among young people.
They spoke to the students about the importance of self-care and mental well-being. It was a thoughtful conversation that encouraged the kids to prioritize their mental health just as much as their physical health.
The students also received period calendars, which were a big hit. Not only were they practical, but they also served as a reminder that managing your menstrual cycle can be simple and stress-free.
Games and Gratitude
Now, what’s an AIESEC event without some friendly competition? Cue the charades session: girls vs. boys. It was an epic battle of wits and giggles, with everyone throwing out their best (and sometimes hilariously bad) guesses. Spoiler alert: the girls might have edged out the boys, but let’s just say everyone was a winner.
The games were followed by a few heartfeltwords from the school’s principal, teachers, and even the student leaders, who expressed their gratitude for the initiative.
It was clear that the impact of the event was felt by everyone involved. Their words truly underscored the importance of these small but significant acts of kindness.
A Look Back (and a Look Ahead)
The event concluded with the donation ofapproximately 700 sanitary pads to the school, ensuring that each girl received at least two packs. After all that excitement, it was time for a well-deserved late lunch, complete with a side of nostalgia. High school food is still… well, high school food. But the day wasn’t just about reliving old memories—it was about making new ones. The students were eager to chat with the AIESEC team, and we left feeling like we’d just made a bunch of new friends.
With the success of this event, AIESEC in KU and AIESEC in JKUAT are already looking forward to the next pad drive and the opportunity to make an even bigger impact, one pad and one smile at a time.
Here’s to more initiatives, more learning.
