I know that other bloggers check in here from time to time. Click on the graphic to learn how Bloggers Unite is planning to raise awareness of refugee issues on November 10. Join us. It matters.
You've seen the commercials--a young girl in Africa misses school one week out of the month because she doesn't have money to buy pads when she has her period.
The truth is, this situation isn't unique to Third World countries. In the United States, plenty of teen girls are in the same situation.
Each year, thousands of refugees flee their countries seeking safe haven. The challenge doesn't end when a refugee reaches friendly shores. Imagine the immense learning curve that comes from starting over, learning a new language, surviving a new culture.
Now, imagine doing this in the hostile world of middle school. Remember middle school? Now, think what it's like if your mother can't tell you anything about tending to your period because she, herself, has never used current methods to do so. Think about what it might be like to negotiate puberty and to start your period without having access to any Kotex/Always/Stayfree product.
So...you miss school when you have your period and you fall behind even farther than you already were, given the language and literacy hurdles. You go from not fitting in to being all but disconnected. You have nobody to talk to.
Let's take up a collection...Maxi Pads can make the world a better place for disadvanted girls. It's a weird, maybe radical idea, but it's not impossible.
What can you do to help? Donate! Donate packages of maxi-pads, mini-pads, or gift certificates for Walgreens, Target, or Walmart. We'll use 100% of a gift certificate's value to buy supplies for the girls. NO TAMPONS!