Girls at Choumba Primary School in Mchinji District have commended World Vision Malawi for constructing a changing room and toilets at the school.
In an interview on Tuesday, Standard Eight pupil Julita Edward said the facilities will promote sanitation at the school.
She said a hygienic environment motivates learners to work hard and remain in school.
“As Standard Eight pupils, we need motivation to perform well in Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education examinations. If you ask me now, I am confident of being selected to secondary school because I do not skip my lessons even when I am doing my menses,” said Julita.
Julita, who comes from Namizana, Traditional Authority Mavwere, said she was one of many girls who used to abscond classes during her menses.
“The situation always affected my performance because on average, I used to stay away from classes for four days,” she said.
The school’s deputy head teacher Daniel Vincent said menstrual hygiene is crucial in schools.
He said: “Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities was compromising menstrual hygiene at the school until World Vision constructed the changing room and the toilets.
“Again, the organisation installed a solar-powered water system at the school to improve access to clean water.”
Vincent agreed with Julita that girls will perform better in national examinations as they will no longer shy away from classes during their menses.
World Vision Mchinji disitrict programmes manager Merrena John said they want to promote hygiene and access to water in schools to motivate learners to continue with their education.
“We want children to remain in school and achieve their academic goals,” she said.
