Lovely Lady RUMPS

Days like today reaffirm my belief that the work we do in Uganda is meaningful and does impact the lives of people we come across in our service.

My youth are empowered.

My youth take initiative.

My youth are supportive of one another.

My youth are leaders.

For the past two months I have been organizing leadership workshops, which help to bring out and strengthen these inherent skills.

The formal program concluded last week and as it did I figured, so would the program.  There were no more incentives, including snacks, tea, a certificate, or a t-shirt.

Well, never assume.  We know what happens if you do…

Independent of my organization all of the participants came together in hopes to continuing the program.  The idea was they would watch TED talks, use the arts to educate on self-esteem and gender, and bring new ideas to the forefront for conversations and debates.

This week some of my youth who attended GirlTech 3.14159 approached me wanting to teach about my favorite project, RUMPS: Re-Usable Menstrual Pads.  With some extra funds; I was able to procure the supplies and help them make this happen. 

From there, the girls did everything else.

They cut ribbon and towels, organized buttons, needles, and thread, and led an incredibly successful session on reproductive health and this innovative idea to help girls and women spend minimal costs during their menstrual period.

The girls organized everything and led the workshop in true In Movement fashion… With a warm-up, name game, and a check-in.  They then talked about why they prefer RUMPS to Always (Sanitary Pads) and the various benefits, such as sustainability, cost, income generating, and allows for creativity.  They answered questions confidently, and all in front of their peers - both boys and girls.

They helped participants sew and insured that everyone understood the importance of RUMPS.

As I watched from afar, I became overwhelmed with the idea that this could continue… That this work actually can and will make an impact in the world. 

That besides me, the 2-years in the Peace Corps is worth something to someone.