Community leaders in some schools where we work are noticing that some of their classes have more girls than boys in them. A pattern that we are working to interrupt is that girls in the area where we operate often drop out of school when they enter puberty. Our program of providing girls with reusable menstrual hygiene kits and health instruction is showing some success, as illustrated by the classes with more girls than boys. Community leaders are now asking for some support in supporting boys’ connection and engagement at school.

We aren’t sure what our next steps will be in this area, but we are happy to observe that our programs are having a noticeable impact, and to listen for what the community feels would support them the most.