Keeping Girls in School: Nankwat Advocates Education and Menstrual Hygiene Awareness

As part of fulfilling her EPLF Civic Engagement Project, our fellow Nankwat Tongtok organized a powerful initiative titled “The Power of Education: Don’t Drop Out” on September 12, 2025, at Shalom Primary and Secondary School, Kuffang Community, Plateau State. The outreach brought together 136 participants, creating a vibrant space for learning, dialogue, and empowerment.

The initiative was born out of a deep concern for the growing number of school dropouts in Plateau State, particularly among children drawn into mining activities as an alternative source of income. Nankwat recognized the urgent need to redirect young people’s focus toward education as the foundation for personal growth, leadership, and societal transformation.

The outreach had three primary goals: to sensitize students on the importance of education, address the challenges that push children out of school, and support young girls with menstrual hygiene education and sanitary materials.

Key Outcomes

The event successfully combined awareness, empowerment, and practical support. During the interactive sessions, students engaged in lively discussions on the long-term benefits of staying in school and the risks associated with dropping out, particularly to join mining work. The conversation opened their eyes to how education can transform not only their lives but also their communities.

In addition to the sensitization, the outreach provided tangible support to reduce barriers to learning. Two hundred notebooks were donated to the school to assist students with their studies, and one hundred sanitary pads were distributed to female students, coupled with an enlightening session on menstrual hygiene management designed to build confidence and ensure that menstrual challenges do not keep girls out of school.

The activity recorded high engagement as students participated enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and sharing personal aspirations. Teachers also expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing how such interventions can rekindle students’ motivation to remain in school.

Collaborations with the Women of Excellence Foundation and other individual supporters strengthened the initiative’s reach and impact, demonstrating the power of partnerships in driving educational development. The outreach left a lasting impression on the school community. Students demonstrated a stronger appreciation for the value of education and the opportunities it brings. Many shared their renewed determination to remain in school and pursue their dreams, while teachers observed heightened enthusiasm and positive behavioral changes among the learners.

Female students, in particular, benefited from the menstrual hygiene session. The distribution of sanitary pads and open discussions around menstruation helped reduce stigma and boost confidence, ensuring that girls can attend school consistently without interruptions.

By providing essential materials and emotional support, the outreach effectively addressed both the psychological and practical barriers that often lead to school dropouts.

Lessons Learnt

Reflecting on the experience, Nankwat described the outreach as deeply transformative, not just for the students but also for the facilitators. Interacting with the learners revealed their genuine curiosity, dreams, and challenges. It became evident that education-centered dialogues must continue if real change is to take root.

Teachers and students alike expressed profound appreciation for the initiative, reaffirming the value of creating spaces where young people can engage in real-life conversations about their future.

Recommendations

1. Establish a follow-up mechanism by the government and civil society organizations to ensure the long-term impact of such awareness programs.
   
2. Expand and scale up the initiative to reach more schools and communities across Plateau State and beyond.
   
3. Engage parents and guardians in future outreaches to reinforce the importance of education at home.
   
4. Provide ongoing support and mentorship for students, including periodic donation of learning materials to sustain motivation.
   
5. Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
   

Next Steps

Building on the success of this first phase, the next step is to expand the School Awareness Outreach to more schools and communities in Plateau State. Plans are underway to strengthen collaborations with local organizations, education authorities, and community leaders to ensure wider reach and sustainability.

A structured program framework will be developed to guide future interventions, while continuous monitoring and evaluation will help measure progress and refine implementation strategies.

Ultimately, this initiative reaffirms a powerful truth: when students are informed, supported, and inspired, they can rise above challenges and use education as a tool to transform their future.