Phase 2 is underway for Nguvu na Hadhi project in Tanzania

Over the last 1 1/2 years the girls project in Tanzania “Nguvu na Hadhi”, which means “Strength and Dignity” has been helping girls understand more about themselves. It is based on Proverbs 31:25, “Strength and dignity are her clothing.” It has been going strong and Phase 2 will expand the number of girls we reach.

We’ve partnered with a local church (Igombe Christian Centre) to educate and empower girls to take care of their changing bodies.

Phase 1 started in November 2019 with 65 girls. This phase was all about learning. Who are these girls? What are their stories? Which lessons worked and which ones didn’t? Where were the knowledge gaps? How can we improve our pad design?

COVID-19 affected our project last year, but we used that time to re-evaluate, re-invent, and re-energize.

Phase 1 finished with a big celebration in July 2020. In total, girls received over 20 hours of biblical teaching and menstrual health education. Watching them grow in knowledge, confidence, and faith was the biggest blessing of Phase 1!

For Phase 2 to be successful, we need to have strong communication with Kisundi Primary School, Bugogwa Primary School, Igombe Primary School, and Bugogwa Secondary School. Our ability to be flexible and to compromise is also very important, as we’re at the mercy of the school leadership. It was important to meet with the Education Officer in Igombe to get his endorsement. Needless to say, we were thrilled when he wrote a letter to each headmaster on our behalf.

In November 2020, we officially launched Phase 2! We’re currently working at Kisundi Primary with the first 140 girls. In early March 2021, we’ll move onto Bugogwa Primary with the next 300 girls. While Phase 2 has a lot of moving pieces, we’re encouraged by the response so far. We’re learning new things each session, but the key is to acknowledge our weaknesses and re-evaluate when necessary.