PERSONAL HYGIENE AND HEALTH PROMOTION (PEH-HEP)
- May 30th, 2019 -
The epoch event took place at Finicky hall, Jibowu Yaba, Lagos. The venue was half filled at 9 am which was the slated time for opening. But at half-past ten the program kicked off officially with a short prayer by Mrs Betty who was one of the Facilitators of the day, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
Nathaniel Ayodeji - a Clinical Health Psychologist, who is the Consultant and Program Director for Shalom Link Mission, proceeded to introduce the Officials and Facilitators of Personal Hygiene and Health Promotion (PEH-HEP) Program, the 2nd Edition of My Hygiene, My Pride. He recognized the presence of all invited students and the teachers from Mainland and Yaba environment and appreciate the approval of The Lagos State Education Board District IV.
Grace Akinyemi - The founder of Shalom Link Mission, the host of this program, was called to the podium for an opening speech. She first appreciates God and acknowledges the efforts her team members, donors and partners for their belief and supports of this program. She talked about her motivation behind this vision and shared her childhood experience of not knowing what periods were and how she was caught unawares by her periods when she first experienced it. She stated that she wouldn’t like any girl to go through what she went through, hence the reason for MY HYGIENE, MY PRIDE.
Grizelda took the girls on a talk on menstruation management and hygiene. The girls paid rapt attention as she admonished them to take care of themselves during their periods. She strictly told them to abstain from having sexual relations with boys as this may lead to unwanted pregnancy.
Next, Nathaniel talked to the girls on Hygiene and Mental health. He told them the state of their minds is very important during their periods. He said, ‘‘if you cannot pay attention to your appearance, you have a problem with your mental health’’. According to him, some of the components of mental health are; Self-awareness, Ability to cope with the day to day stress of life, working productively, and contributing to one’s society.
Mrs Betty continued from where Nathaniel stop. She talks to the girls on anxiety and depression and how it can be managed during the menstrual period. She asked the girls if they knew what anxiety and depression means. There were good attempts by some of the students. She let them know that as a growing woman, their bodies change as a result of the release of hormones and this can lead to mood swings. If it is not managed well, it can lead to mental disorders.
She told the girls to be sensitive to the symptoms during their periods and overtime, they will realize a pattern which is unique to them. Some symptoms include sadness, agitation, crying spells, loss or increased appetite, loss of concentration, lack of energy, changes in sleeping pattern,
etc. Also, during their period, the girls were told the importance of exercise, as well as been mindful of their diets (like avoiding fatty, salty, and sugary foods with caffeinated drinks).
The children were also taught the importance of having enough sleep as it aids the proper development of their brains. Mrs Betty ended with a very important word for the girls: ‘A sick mind will break down the body’. Therefore pay attention to your mental health and do not relent to seek professional help like your school counsellor when it is needful.
It was time for the workshop and group discussions and Mrs Grecelda divided the girls into groups. The girls were asked to take five minutes break before the discussions will commence. The discussions focused on FACTORS THAT AFFECT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE. Poverty, laziness and carelessness were among the points mentioned.
The girls were allowed to ask pressing questions and this led to further discussions in the groups. Some of the questions asked are: ‘is it possible for a girl to menstruate twice a month?’ ‘Can drug abuse lead to pregnancy?’ and, ‘is it right to hug a boy?’
Then it was time for some fun. Girls who were presently on their period were encouraged to do some exercise to prove that this is no excuse for sluggishness, some girls volunteer to represent their schools in a dance competition. Each representative thrilled the excited audience with the latest dance steps. But in the end, the representative of Mainland secondary school, a Miss Precious came out the winner of the competition. She was given the first prize and the runners up were also presented with gift prizes for jobs well done.
Grace Akinyemi, the founder of Shalom link mission, came on stage to enlighten the audience the Shalom Link Mission with the vision to build
Communities with healthy children and families in a peaceful world. While the mission focuses on reaching out with unique values to promote wellbeing, quality education, and peace for meaningful living in under developing communities. She emphasized that child health is the core interest of the organisation with other five life concerns for child healthy development which are;
- Personal hygiene,
- Mental health,
- Family wellbeing,
- Quality education,
- Peace promotion
She believes the very purpose of My Hygiene, My Pride, which is to reorientate, empower and prepare participants for responsible adulthood in their family and communities with hygienic lifestyle is being achieved today again, especially improving the girls’ self-esteem and health consciousness.
Grace Akinyemi gave the vote of thanks to all participants and especially appreciates the presence and support of the founder/CEO of Mental health foundation, Nigeria. There are about five hundred girls in attendance and the name of schools represented at the program are listed below;
1. Mainland Senior High School
2. Onike Girls Junior High School
3. Jibowu Junior High School
4. Nawair-Ud-Deen Senior High School
5. Mobolaji Bank Anthony Junior High School
6. Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School
7. Herbert Macaulay Girls Senior High School
8. Surulere Girls Senior Secondary School
9. New Era Girls Senior Secondary School
10. Kadara Junior Grammar School
The girls were enthusiastic throughout as the program rounded up, group pictures were taken after which they picked up their gift packs which contained, a sanitary pack, a roll of tissue paper, soap and sachet of detergent, a little book on personal hygiene and other vital information for the girls. The girls were also served with food packs as they were conveyed back to school by their supervisors.
The program finally came to an end as the team happily shared the cake to celebrate the success of the program.