Some events tell a bigger story than meets the eye. When Dentists for Africa, together with the organization GirlPower Kenya, hosted Menstrual Hygiene Day at St. Michael Preparatory School in Koliech on May 28, it was about much more than just a day of action—it was about education, health, and how opportunities multiply when people are given the chance to forge their own path.
A report by our Kenyan colleague Francis Mwai Opiyo
About 300 students in grades 4 through 9 attended the event. The goal was to share knowledge, break down taboos, and support girls in continuing their education in a healthy and self-determined way. Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed every year on May 28 – the number 28 represents the average length of a menstrual cycle, and the fifth month represents the average five days of a period.
A partnership born out of advocacy
To make this event possible, the right partner was needed. In GirlPower Kenya, Dentists for Africa found an organization whose work in the areas of health and the empowerment of young people aligns perfectly with this cause.
There was a special reason why this partnership came together so quickly: a former DfA scholarship recipient now works there. Lucy Onyango, a former Dentists for Africa scholarship recipient, studied public health at the University of Kisii. Today, she heads the Programs and Monitoring & Evaluation department at GirlPower Kenya. Together with her team, she organized the event in Koliech.
For the students, Lucy was therefore much more than just a speaker. She comes from the same region and knows the realities of life for many families from her own experience. When she stood before the children, it wasn’t just a health professional from afar talking about possibilities—but someone who herself demonstrates what education can make possible.
Education that concerns everyone
The event focused on the basics of menstruation, practical hygiene tips, and the close connection between menstrual health and education. Because missed school days add up—and for some girls, this translates into missed opportunities. In addition, valuable information was provided on how and where to seek help or support (for example, from guidance counselors or at the DfA counseling office with staff member Perpetua Achieng’). Boys and male teachers also participated in the discussions and hands-on sessions.
Support That Lasts
At the end of the event, sanitary pads, tissues, and underwear were distributed. Some of the supplies were left at the school so that teachers can continue to support students as needed in the future.
Reaching around 300 children and adolescents from six grade levels in a single day is an important step. The preventive approach is particularly valuable here: many of the younger students are just entering puberty. Early education builds knowledge before uncertainties and prejudices arise.
When Support Makes a Difference
At the same time, the collaboration with GirlPower Kenya highlights the impact that Dentists for Africa’s scholarship program can have over the years: Support for a single student has turned her into a public health professional who now reaches hundreds of young people herself. The investment in one person thus multiplies over time.
She is a prime example of the many DfA alumni who now work in the fields of health, education, and community development, bringing with them expertise, local experience, and new opportunities for partnerships. This network holds great potential.
To me, this day shows what the Dentists for Africa sponsorship program has built over the years. A sponsored child becomes a skilled professional. A skilled professional becomes a partner. And from that partnership, new opportunities emerge for hundreds of young people. To everyone who made this possible: Thank you.
And to the DfA alumni who are now taking on leadership roles in their communities, organizations, and professions: this is exactly why this program was created. You are the reason we do this work.
Thus, supporting a single child becomes far more than an individual success story: it creates an impact that is passed on and reaches entire communities.
👉 The next success story could begin today. Twenty children are currently waiting for a sponsor through Dentists for Africa. Please contact us. Help a child on their educational journey.