The Bii-Kunuto Education Fund, an initiative founded by the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, has donated sanitary pads to female students of Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School (NDESCO) in Damongo.
The donation was presented on the school’s premises in a brief but impactful ceremony led by the Coordinator of the Fund, Mr. Muftaw Habib, and accompanied by the Public Relations Officer of the Gonjaland Youth Association, Abdul Malik.
Addressing the students, Mr. Habib, himself an alumnus of NDESCO and a former Entertainment Prefect, offered both encouragement and practical support.
“This donation is more than just sanitary pads,” he said. “It is a message from the Yagbonwura, our King and Overlord, that no girl should miss school or lose her confidence because of a natural cycle. You are powerful, you are capable, and this period of the month should never hold you back.”
Mr. Habib emphasized the need for young girls to remain focused, determined, and undeterred by societal stigmas surrounding menstruation. He urged them to see this gesture as a stepping stone to independence and greater self-worth.
“Someday, I hope some of you will return here to also give back,” he added. “And I want you all to get to that level where no one needs to buy a sanitary pad for you again because you’ll be strong, educated, and independent.”
Mr. Habib disclosed that although the team originally saw the visit as a simple donation exercise, a discussion with the school authorities revealed deeper underlying challenges.
“What we saw today goes beyond pads. Sanitation issues, especially the lack of adequate toilet facilities, are affecting these girls’ dignity and comfort,” he stated. “When we return to the palace, we’ll not only brief the King but engage other organizations to come to your aid.”
He assured the students and staff that the Bii-Kunuto Education Fund intends to extend such support to other senior and junior high schools in the Gonja Kingdom, targeting menstrual hygiene, sanitation, and general educational upliftment.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Madam Hawawu Dari, Senior Housemistress of NDESCO, expressed heartfelt appreciation.
“This sanitary pad is our life. It’s part of us. This donation has enhanced our menstrual hygiene, and we are very grateful,” she said.
“But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Our toilet facilities, especially for the girls, are in a very poor state. We hope the Fund and other partners will remember us when more support is available.”
She also appealed for future initiatives to include boys, stating that empowering the whole student body would strengthen the school community.
Madam Hawawu concluded by reminding the girls that success is ultimately in their hands.
“This support is for you but your future depends on your choices. We, the teachers, are only here to guide you.”
The Bii-Kunuto Education Fund is an initiative under the leadership of the Yagbonwura (King and Overlord of Gonja) aimed at supporting educational growth, equality, and empowerment across the Gonja Kingdom. Through scholarships, resource donations, and advocacy, the Fund seeks to break barriers to education especially for girls and marginalized communities.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
