The Next Step: A process begins ...
Introduce the Solution:
The first step to this process is to introduce the solution of the washable, re-usable menstrual cloths. This is a new concept within their culture and will take compassion, trust and time. We introduce the concept with the cooperation of the school and its staff. We provide the cloths, train the staff and the girls in proper use and care. We then let the product/solution speak for itself. Taking Ownership: Once the girls experience the product and the change it brings to their lives, they take 'ownership' of the issue and it becomes something they can manage - not something they need to endure. Empowerment Builds Hope: The girls are seeing the change in their lives and the potential of a normal life that's not controlled by certain days of the month. They step into confidence that life has HOPE. Time Brings Perspective: Several months after introducing the cloth menstrual pads, the girls can't imagine life without them. Others in their communities are hearing of this product and the product increases in esteem and value. Value Leads to Demand: By now, their daily living patterns have fully embraced the cloths as a normal course of life. The thought of not having these cloths is not acceptable -- the question is now being raised ... How Will We Get More? The process is now ripe for incentive. It is now that the concept of making their own pads is introduced. Through the Training Sponsorship program, we provide the THE TOOL KIT, which includes The Tool Template, and all the instructions and patterns needed for learning how to sew the menstrual pads. Through Training Sponsorship for Schools, donations received will provide a sewing machine for the school. Each school will oversee the program as part of its curriculum. |
Unraveling the Lie
A Future and a Hope
The Goal: Sustainability
The girls continue to learn the skills and develop their ability to make the cloths. The cloths produced at the school are used by incoming students. In time, there will be a market demand due to the students' use of the cloths and word of mouth in the community. Demand Brings Sales: As the girls increase in their ability to produce cloths, the workmanship is now acceptable to sell the cloths. Sales from the cloths will provide funds to purchase more fabric -- to produce more cloths -- to purchase more fabric. This cycle now offers vocational training -- builds economic incentive and develops empowerment and opportunity to the girls. Girls who finish their schooling and have developed the skills through the Sponsorship Training for Schools will receive their own Tool Kit to take with them to start their own enterprise. The Cycle is Broken: Girls once marked by shame and destined to despair are now change agents for their generation ... bringing hope and promise to their communities ...
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