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Our Positive Periods Program is successfully tackling Period Poverty all over the world

What is our Positive Periods Program?


How it all started


Where are we now

We have now delivered our Positive Periods Program in 4 countries. Starting in Sierra Leone, then in The Gambia, followed by Cuba, and now in Haiti. Each country has taken the foundations of the project and made it their own, completely in keeping with the Steve Sinnott Foundation’s mission to work and collaborate together with other cultures and respect that each area will have its own needs and ways of best tackling a challenge.

Here is an outline of how each country has done this, making our Positive Periods Program the most diverse and effective program for enabling women and girls in diverse parts of the world. Managing periods, gender equality, sexual health, and violence, all affect girls ability to access education, and our programme is flexible enough to help girls challenge these issues.

The Gambia

The Foundation has been working with teachers and educators in The Gambia and Sierra Leone over the past 3 years to pilot a project to enable girls who miss 50 days a year due to having their menstrual period access to reusable period pads. We have called this project “Positive Periods”.


We were invited by the Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) initially to pilot this project and since then we have carried out research on the most effective and sustainable way for all girls to access this opportunity.


To tailor this program to the unique needs of girls the organisers have added in a module to raise awareness of sexual violence and gender equality.


The teachers who have had this training are cascading this training throughout their schools.



Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, Isata M Kamara (project Manager) working with the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) and other community groups has hosted this programme in over 60 schools this year in Makeni, Port Loko, Bo and Kenema.

 

Despite the COVID19 outbreak leading to the closure of schools affecting the implementation of this training taking place in schools, the teachers were determined to ensure the Positive Periods Program did not stop altogether.


Boys and girls, and women and men were all involved in the workshops. They were trained in using both their hands and sewing machines to ensure that that everyone in their various schools could prepare the sanitary pads themselves and cascade this to others.


The training was initially based on health and hygiene, how to take care of themselves, and how to take care of the pads. But as the girls in her workshops talked to Isata about their problems and challenges, she realised that there was more that needed to be done. They asked for training to support themselves and their teachers on the gender-based violence and equality issues that are affecting them in their schools and community. So the organisers have now devised an additional module to raise awareness of sexual violence and gender equality to these workshops.

 

Plans for the future: Everyone is learning together and supporting each other, women and men, boys and girls. There is still much work to do and the team are now working on the most sustainable way of sharing the learning with other schools and communities across rural Sierra Leone.



Cuba

In March 2021 we started the Cuba Positive Periods Programme, named “Iniciativa Duenas” which is part of our initiative to train people in the preparation of reusable sanitary pads or intima as they are called in Cuba. The project is about how to make re-usable pads using sustainable, reusable and washable, long lasting and eco-friendly material. There were also benefits for more senior women, for those who need support with incontinence, and following surgery. 

It incorporated discussion and learning across the generations with grandmas teaching their grandchildren.

 

The participants came together on-line from across 15 women's entrepreneurship and anti-racist struggle groups. They were instructed and communicated with each other through WhatsApp. These sessions took place from their homes, in the provinces of Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The workshops facilitated a space for conversation not only about how to make their own reusable period pads but also about menstrual health for young people.

 

These women will now spread this workshop in their own groups and encourage other women to share it too. This way it will reach more women than we could possibly reach alone.



Haiti

July 2021, in Haiti the project started a few days after the political situation became tense, you can read more about this in our blog post here. If that wasn’t enough during the project there was an earthquake, we ran an appeal for this too. We were not sure if the project would be able to start or continue due to these challenges, however the Haitian spirit shines in the face of any adversity, and they continued regardless. A lighthouse for us all to follow. This program also decided to add in a module of sexual health, pregnancy and gender rights, as that was a related topic very pertinent to the current needs of girls in Haiti right now.

 

Stelandie Jean-François, the young woman in charge started the session introducing the materials the girls would be using and the patterns that they will use to create their own re-usable pads. Her students had no experience sowing so they were learning this skill also. They are very excited to be getting hands on experience making period pads that will help them live a fuller life, and come to school every day.

 

In the meantime, the school nurses drafted the training modules that they will be using for the next phase, the educational sessions. This will ensure that girls and young women know more about menstruation and female health. This supports them to better manage and understand their menstrual health and wellbeing.

 

After this workshop was delivered, staff can be trained on the workshop, and how to deliver it in their respective schools. This way the knowledge is cascaded through to the wider community.



Thank you to our Sponsors

We could not carry out this work without the support of our sponsors Soroptimists International St Albans and District, London Chilterns, Leeds and Selby. NEU Districts and Branches and all the incredible individual donors who support us with regular giving and one-off gifts.


We have also recently secured generous funding from The Openwork Foundation, so we can continue to expand this program to other countries.


You can support here


Plans for the Future

We know this programme works, the feedback from participants has been very positive, they have been instrumental in improving and adapting the training. The most important impact has been the feedback from teacher’s that girls are now coming back to school and they feel they are able to talk about their periods more openly and share solutions.


We have learned that the programme can be replicated and adapted for different needs and it is giving women and girls a voice about other important issues such as gender-based violence. If you have equal access to education you have equal choices.


We are just waiting to roll out the programme in Malawi and Uganda, which has had to be be postponed due to Covid-19. We have 6 other countries waiting to start the programme and the teams are working on sustainability in each country. This project enables women and girls to manage their periods with dignity and pride, it’s a simple solution but we know it is a powerful one.


We hope you will continue to support us on this journey.



More blog posts about our Positive Periods campaign


Videos about our Positive Periods campaign

Steve Sinnott • October 20, 2021

An update from the Foundation’s first Learning Resource Centre in Palpa, Nepal

By Barbara Bond • February 10, 2025
The Steve Sinnott Learning Resource Centre was originally established by Manisha UK in Palpa, Nepal in 2019, in partnership with the Steve Sinnott Foundation. It was administered by Dan Wichmann and Saran Saru. It included an excellent library, a classroom with an interactive whiteboard and monitors with Raspberry Pi software. Although well used by a local school, evaluating the project in 2021, it was decided that the facilities should be available to a wider usership. An agreement was concluded with Children Nepal in Pokhara for the material effects to be utilised. Children Nepal is an effective and inspiring organisation providing extensive and holistic support to deprived families. The centre offers classes to students who are very keen learners and attend after their usual morning classes in other educational institutions. They attend IT classes facilitated by a Steve Sinnott funded teacher. There are two classes of 20 students each, these classes are offered twice a day, except Saturday. These students need to compete with students from private schools; the government schools they attend have very limited computers and IT classes. The centre offers art classes to younger children, as well as singing, dancing, creative writing and storytelling. In the holidays, classes are offered to years 6, 7 and 8 with excellent attendance. Performances are given, artwork displayed and there are competitions for art and writing. The library is very well used. This is a vital resource as the local neighbourhood has only two small libraries and schools rarely have libraries or enough books. The children enjoy individual and paired reading, talking animatedly about their reading. The library is also available to adults from the community. Manisha UK, The Steve Sinnott Foundation and Children Nepal have enjoyed a very good relationship. Via quarterly reports and unplanned visits from Manisha UK, we have seen the excellent work Children Nepal are undertaking. The staff in Pokhara are totally committed and dedicated providing an invaluable resource to the communities they serve. A recent renewal of financial support from The Steve Sinnott Foundation means the work of the IT teacher can continue and new books can be bought for the library. This funding ends in 2027. Further funding is essential to update the software used from Libre Office to Microsoft Windows. Manisha UK and Children Nepal are incredibly grateful for the support from the Steve Sinnott Foundation, particularly the help provided by Ann Beatty. I will be visiting the centre in December and look forward to seeing the continuing excellent work. BIOGRAPHY A full time secondary school teacher for 31 years, Barbara retired from her final post in an inner city Birmingham school in 2010. She had worked in pastoral roles and as head of English and Director of Literacy. This was an early retirement in order to pursue voluntary work abroad, fortunately she came across the small but highly effective charity Manisha UK. The charity supports 8 government village schools in rural Nepal and Barbara undertakes annual visits.

Empowering communities through partnership in Sierra Leone

By Isata M Kamara • February 7, 2025
In a world where the challenges of gender equality, climate change, and social injustice loom large, partnerships that prioritize sustainable development and social equality are more crucial than ever. The collaboration between The Steve Sinnott Foundation [SSF] and Gender Equality and Development for Social Action [GEDSA] exemplifies how shared vision and collective action can lead to transformative change in communities. Together we are not just addressing immediate issues, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter and more equitable future. At the heart of our partnership is a commitment to shared learning. By pooling our resources, expertise and experiences, SSF and GEDSA have created a dynamic platform for innovation and growth. This collaboration allows us to tackle complex issues such as school related gender based violence, climate change, and challenges holistically faced by people with disabilities. Through workshops, community engagement and research initiatives, we have fostered an environment where knowledge is exchanged freely. This shared learning not only enhances our understanding of issues at hand but also empowers local communities to take ownership of the solutions. By equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge they need, we are nurturing a generation of leaders who are committed to driving social change. One of the flagship projects born from our partnership is positive periods, an initiative aimed at addressing menstrual health and hygiene management in schools. In many communities menstruation remains a taboo subject leading to stigma and misinformation. This project seeks to break the silence surrounding menstruation, providing education and resources to students, teachers and parents alike. By promoting open conversations about menstrual health, we are not only improving the wellbeing of young girls but also fostering an environment where gender equality thrives. The positive periods initiative has already seen remarkable success, with increased school attendance among girls and a significant reduction in the stigma associated with menstruation in our operational schools and communities. This project is a testament to the power of education and awareness in transforming societal norms. Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. Our partnership recognises that addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing issues such as gender equality and social justice. Through joint initiatives, we are working to empower communities to adapt to climate impacts while promoting sustainable practices, we are ensuring that women and marginalised groups have a voice in decision making processes. Our projects focus on building resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for policies that prioritise the needs of vulnerable populations. This is not only combating climate change but also fostering a sense of community ownership and responsibility. School related gender- based violence [SRGBV] is a pervasive issue that hinders educational attainment and perpetuates a cycle of inequality. Our partnership has launched targeted interventions to address SRGBV, creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. Through training programs for educators, awareness campaigns, and support services for survivors, we are working to eradicate violence in schools. By engaging students, parents and community leaders, we are fostering a culture of respect and equality. Our efforts have led to increased reporting of incidents, improved support systems for survivors, and a greater understanding of the importance of gender equality in education. Together, we are creating safe spaces where children can thrive. We support children with disabilities. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to children with disabilities who often face significant barriers to education and social participation. Through our collaborative projects, we are advocating for the right of more inclusive educational environments. We provide training for teachers, resources for families and awareness campaigns; we are breaking down stigma surrounding disabilities. The impact of our work is profound. Children with disabilities are gaining access to quality education, and their families are receiving the support they need to advocate for their rights. As we reflect on the successes of our partnership, we are filled with hope for the future. The work we are doing together is not just about addressing immediate challenges; it is about building resilient communities that can thrive in the face of adversity, as this will contribute to sustainable development. In conclusion, the partnership between The Steve Sinnott Foundation and Gender Equality and Development for Social Action is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change, shared learning and collective action. We are addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today. Together we are not just envisioning a better future; we are actively creating it. Join us in this journey towards empowerment, equality and sustainability for all.

Highlights from our 15 Years celebration!

By Steve Sinnott • February 5, 2025
This event, hosted by Amanda Martin MP, is to celebrate 15 Years of The Steve Sinnott Foundation, supporting access to Education for All. The Steve Sinnott Foundation works with teachers and educators to deliver projects that progress the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 - to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. We are proud to have worked towards making this goal a reality and continue to do so in honouring Steve Sinnott’s legacy. Here are some highlights from the speakers on the day! "On behalf of Education International we wish to bring solidarity, greetings, appreciation and congratulations to the Steve Sinnott Foundation as it approaches this important milestone. I personally remember Steve from our time connecting US and English teachers around fundamental rights, specifically the Magna Carta and the Civil Rights movement. He was and remains an inspiration and beacon in the global teacher union movement. And as we look around us at this moment in time we know he was right, "there are those who are hopeful supporters and activists for justice, human rights and equality; and there is the rest." Education International is proud to be a partner with the Steve Sinnott Foundation and thanks you all for the work you do towards achieving our collective aims. Congratulations to Ann and the team. And lastly, the hugest of hugs to Mary who continues to inspire us all by directing all the energy and promise of Steve's legacy in such important ways for the world's students and teachers. Thank you" - DAVID EDWARDS, PH.D GENERAL SECRETARY OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL "Today is a combination of a celebration & a thank you to all that have been involved. A small but very successful Foundation, something tangible, something beneficial something long lived. A real commitment to education recognising it as a human right. We will continue to support towards SDG4 emphasising on Girls and Women globally" - JERRY GLAZIER, CHAIR OF TRUSTEES FOR THE STEVE SINNOTT FOUNDATION A Foundation close to my heart, making a real sustainable difference through their projects. I am very happy to be working together with the Foundation towards the achievement of the SDGs. As Steve said "Working together - winning together. - AMANDA MARTIN MP FOR PORTSMOUTH NORTH "I think the creative projects The Foundation has enables young people and older to imagine an alternative future and how important it is. We have to keep hope, we have to remember our shared humanity." - PROFESSOR AUDREY OLSTER - PATRON "We absolutely congratulate you for 15 years of operation, born out of the sadness of Steve's death. The Foundation has accomplished great things in pursuing a goal close to Steve's heart - the achievement of every child's right to a quality education wherever they live in the world." - DANIEL KEBEDE - GENERAL SECRETARY (NEU) "Through our 2021 partnership with The Steve Sinnott Foundation, the Cima Community School now has a Learning Resource Centre with a library and a computer lab. The lab does not benefit our students alone as it is accessible to other students throughout Haiti. These students can connect at weekends and link together to learn English - all because of you! We have also been able to distribute the Positive Periods project to reach more than 15,000 girls and women." - GABRIELLE AUREL - HAITI "We have built a great partnership with the Steve Sinnott Foundation and the projects have made a real difference in The Gambia for both students and educators. There is still much work to do." - MARIE ANTONETTE - THE GAMBIA "Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 15 years and come together to celebrate this year. Please remember to tell 3 people about our work!" - ANN BEATTY - CEO
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