RUMPs Training in Imvepi
Blackburn Diocese Harvest Appeal for CRESS
The RUMPs (reusable menstrual pads) training in Imvepi Secondary School has been completed.
The girls learnt about the materials they need, how to construct, sew and also maintain their pads after use.
They also received new underwear, soap and food during the training.
It has been a valued experience for the girls and below is one of their comments.
It is sad to think that there are girls who are not able to attend school because of the lack of money for pads - we hope this project will help enable these girls and those they spread their knowledge to to manage their periods better.
Thoughts on the training
"I have learnt the skills, knowledge, measurements and how to come with the reusable pads and also how to manage and cater for it.
It has added value to the little knowledge that I had before to make [pads] fully and it has also change in a way that the money I used to spend on the disposable pads can now be used for other expenses necessary like soap.
Before I did not now anything about soaking [the pad] in warm water immediately and even in cold water, but since I am now impacted with the knowledge I can be able to soak the used pad in water and dry in direct sun heat.
I will teach others about what I have learnt, because I now have all the know how to measure, cut the shape, and how to sew it. I know the materials needed and how to manage the reusable pad itself after being used.
This CRESS training is different from other trainings as I did not know all the materials that were needed, how to measure, how to cut, how to arrange, how to sew or even how to cater for it [after use], but since this [training] I can now train other fellow women and my fellow sisters who lack the knowledge.
Other organisations have just given us already made pads without the knowledge, pants, soap and even refreshment food.
Before CRESS training I would get my answers from the senior women. My mum sometimes would tell me that there is nothing that they could give me – like pads or money for buying pads which would mean I would miss lessons or isolate myself.
Our brothers should be included in the training so they can help their mothers and sisters at home and in the community. Otherwise the training was awesome and skilful."
Training participant, Imvepi Secondary School, July 2023
