The Celestine Foundation, a non-profit organisation, in a significant gesture aimed at improving adolescent girls’ well-being and school participation, has donated sanitary pads to 245 female students across three basic schools in the South Tongu Municipality of the Volta Region.
The beneficiary schools—Real Vision Academy, Evangelical Christian Academy, and Sokpoe D/A Basic School—were carefully selected based on community consultations and identified socio-economic needs.
The initiative seeks to alleviate menstrual-related challenges that often lead to school absenteeism, reduced academic performance, and in some cases, early dropouts.
Ms. Adzah Celestine, Chief Executive Officer of the Celestine Foundation, underscored the importance of prioritizing menstrual health as a key component of educational access and gender equality.
“This initiative is deeply rooted in our commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her education without shame, fear, or interruption,” Ms. Celestine stated.
“Access to menstrual hygiene products is not a luxury—it is a fundamental need. We are here to ensure no girl is left behind simply because of a natural biological process.”
She added that the Foundation’s intervention goes beyond product distribution, positioning itself as part of a broader agenda to promote menstrual health literacy, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces for open dialogue on menstruation in schools and communities.
“Menstruation should never be a barrier to learning. Our long-term vision includes integrated hygiene education, the promotion of sustainable alternatives such as reusable pads, and partnerships with other stakeholders to expand our reach.”
Ms. Celestine called on stakeholders—ranging from government institutions and civil society to corporate partners and local leaders—to unite in support of menstrual health initiatives across Ghana.
“Tackling menstrual health challenges requires a collaborative approach,” she noted. “We invite all well-meaning organizations and individuals to join us in building a more inclusive and equitable future for girls.”
Mr. Mawunyefia Kofi Agbemenya, the headmaster of Real Vision Academy, expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the beneficiary schools, for the donation, describing it as a timely and impactful intervention.
“This gesture goes beyond material support—it restores confidence in our girls and affirms their right to education and dignity,” he remarked. “We are sincerely grateful to the Celestine Foundation for recognizing this need and responding with such empathy and foresight.”
The initiative has been lauded by community members and education stakeholders as a meaningful step toward menstrual equity and improved learning conditions for girls in underserved areas.
It also underscores the Celestine Foundation’s growing role in championing youth development and community empowerment in Ghana.
Plans are currently underway to extend the programme to other parts of the Volta Region, with the Foundation exploring partnerships that will help scale up its impact and ensure the sustainability of menstrual health interventions nationwide.
The Foundation’s efforts align with national and global development goals, particularly those related to health, education, and gender equality.
Story By: Kekeli K. Blamey
