WHAT if not having sanitary supplies meant many days without school, days without income?
Girls are at risk of infection, humiliation and exploitation when they miss up to two months of school or work every year.
But there is a solution… Days For Girls is an organisation that has delivered over 100,000 hygiene kits to more than 75 countries.
The hygiene kits – including eight washable sanitary pads, underpants, face-washers and soap – have been distributed throughout many developing countries where girls often miss school or work for up to a week every month.
Kerang Baptist Church Craft Group and Kerang Technical High School are joining forces to host a workshop to produce these kits with the assistance of a group of volunteer co-ordinators from Days For Girls.
Craft group member, Sue Keath is urging anyone who can help to become involved.
“We need everyone – those who can sew and those who can’t. Locals are needed to cut, overlock and sew materials for a variety of items, including the colourful drawstring bags the items are packed in,” she said.
“We need volunteers to fold, iron and collate the kits, so as you can see, you don’t need to be just skilled in sewing.”
Donations of pre-washed dark or bright flannelette, bright patchwork fabric, pure cotton and poly-cotton, cotton underpants in girls’ sizes 10 to 14 and women’s sizes 8 to 12 as well as coloured face-washers would be greatly appreciated. Due to the sensitive areas where some kits will be sent, no material can have animal, camouflage or war-themed prints.
These items can be left with Helen at Nick’s Splendid Shoes, Victoria Street, Kerang.
To accomplish as many hygiene kits as possible, sessions will be held over three days. An introduction will be held on Thursday, May 12 between 6.30pm and 9.30pm, while Friday 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 3.30pm, will be used for sewing and assembling the kits.
Mrs Keath said that sewing groups in Pyramid Hill and as far away as Sydney are interested in assisting.
KTHS has made two rooms available to accommodate a large group of sewers and helpers.
Those who can sew are encouraged to bring fabric scissors, overlockers and sewing machines. A light morning and afternoon tea will be provided and those involved over lunchtime are asked to bring their own lunch.
Further information is available from either Sue Keath, 5452 2552 or Linda Harrison, 0427 578 266.
Connect to Days For Girls on www.daysforgirls.org
