#NoMissedSchoolDays
#NoMissedSchoolDays is a cooperation project between the Scouts and Guides of Finland, Uganda Girl Guides Association and Uganda Scouts Association. It aims to diminish the effect periods on the drop-out-rates of Ugandan schoolgirls. According to UNESCO, one tenth of girls do not attend school during their period. If the number of missed school days is reduced, girls have a better chance of participating actively in civic society, which in turn supports gender equality and quality education.
In Uganda USA and UGGA have trained their own members on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and gender sensitivity issues. After that the after-school scout and guide groups were on issues concerning menstruation and taught how to make their own reusable pads. Breaking taboos around menstruation through community outreach was also essential.
Members of GSF participated in the project by completing the #NMSD badge: https://scouts.fi/now/uganda-project/materials/activities-for-the-adventurers/
Despite the COVID-19 and long school closure, the scouts were able to achieve their goals. The project was instrumental in getting girls who became pregnant or started working during COVID back to school.
Results:
- 400 teachers trained on MHM and gender equality
- Gender equality MHM material developed and 1600 copies printed
- 20 330 children reached through the #NMSD activities and STEM activities
- 150 000 people reached through radio talkshows and door-to-door campaigns
We have learned that guiding and scouting is an excellent platform for fruitful development cooperation. Through the scout method we were able to reach many youth and children easily and achieve a big impact. It was good that the topic (MHM and gender equality) resonated both in Finland and Uganda.
Gallery
