A mission team flew with MAF to introduce reusable sanitary pads to female students.
Missionaries from the United States took a MAF flight from Liberia’s capital Monrovia to the remote community of Zwedru, bringing hope to girls who often miss schooldays because of their periods.
The team from Immanuel Lutheran Church said air travel allowed them to be much more effective with their time.
“We have not had to drive to the jungle. MAF has really made it available and possible for us,” said Judy Rink, Director of Discipleship and Missions at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
We have not had to drive to the jungle. MAF has really made it available and possible for us.
“We are very blessed and grateful to MAF for providing not only flights to Zwedru but also all our supplies, making a big difference in what we are doing.”
The provision of menstrual pads has been a serious issue for girls in remote villages, where supplies are hard to obtain. This means that female students can miss key parts of their education if they feel they cannot attend class.
Church sewing groups in the United States have sewn thousands of 'Days for Girls' washable famine hygiene kits that Immanuel and the organisation Dignity for Girls has helped collect and distributes to Liberian Children’s Ministry.
Days for Girls is a non-profit organisation that provides menstrual health solutions and education to girls and women.
"The menstrual pad has helped in keeping schoolgirls in class. In the absence of pads, female students missed classes due to their period, affecting their health and education,” Judy said.
With the team shifting focus to empower the village women to sew a simple washable pad pattern that the Immanuel team developed.
“Educating and informing girls on how to be proactive pays off a lot,” Judy added.
“We have been supporting students with sanitary pads and school materials for several years, and the students appreciate the menstrual pads received and the great work within the ministry.
“The girls have expressed that it has been very helpful. We have provided thousands of menstrual pads through other organisations and church groups. It has made a difference in allowing them to stay in school and not fall behind.”
The Immanuel Lutheran Church Ministry's friendship with the Liberian Children’s Ministry, spearheaded by Joe Boway, has brought a focus on education for girls.
Educating and informing girls on how to be proactive pays off a lot,
“Our trip to Zwedru is mainly to train schoolgirls and women on how to produce washable and usable menstrual pads,” Judy said.
“We have provided manuals and conducted sewing workshops to empower students, women, and teachers. Mr Boway is passionate and a true servant to the students.”
The five Americans, four from Immanuel Lutheran Church and one from Dignity for Girls organization, have travelled to Zwedru to support this cause and they were overwhelmed with the reaction.
"So much joy! MAF has been wonderful. Seeing all the locations and services provided in the name of Jesus Christ has been key. Our team is excited to partner with MAF,” Judy said.
Immanuel Lutheran Church has been partnering with the Liberian Children Ministry for the past 20 years.