LGSS Updates
New Latrines, New Design
In summer of 2011, Emerging Humanity added four latrines/bathrooms to accommodate the increasing number of students at LGSS. They feature a design based on the style of the of the latrines in the Millennium village. We added an extraction chamber (seen on the left) for easy emptying, added tiles to the floors (less porous than cement, more sanitary, and easier to clean), and made some other alterations. See pictures in our
Facebook Page Photo Album.
School Welcomes A New Freshman Class
In 2011, a new freshman class of 35 entered LGSS increasing the total student population to 80.
Reusable Sanitary Pads
In summer of 2010, the students at Lifunga Girls' Secondary School (LGSS) in Western Keyna learned to sew their own reusable sanitary pads. Now, each girl has two reusable pads to help better manage her period.
One of our goals for the high school is to eliminate the core struggles that affected the girls' academic performance in middle school. Not having enough money to buy sanitary pads and properly manage their periods was one of them. Many cannot afford to buy disposable sanitary pads, so instead it's common for young women to stay home from school for up to a week at a time to avoid having an accident at school resulting in embarrassment and being teased. Those who attend school during their periods often dress in layers or end up rinsing out their clothes at school.
Reusable sanitary pads are a sustainable resource, allowing the girls to wash and reuse them rather than having to buy disposable pads every month.
Two Day HIV, Health, & Sex Reproduction Seminar
In 2010, local social workers from the local health clinic came to LGS to speak with the girls about HIV, health, and sexual reproduction. With the girls ranging in ages from 13 to 24 and living in a community where nearly half of the population is infected with HIV, this was a much-needed discussion. It is our hope that the girls become educated about these topics so that they can make informed choices and become empowered as a result.
Curriculum Development
Becky Odierna, Emerging Humanity volunteer, spent June and July 2010 working with the teachers of LGS on curriculum development to improve teacher dynamics, encourage hands on activities, and strengthen student performance indicators. Leading by example and hosting teacher workshops, Becky is seeing a change in the teachers and Emerge is feeling good about her work at the school.
Stay tuned for more information
We will continue to provide you with updates about Lifunga Girls' Secondary School in Eastern Africa.
Contact us for more information about our efforts and how you can help.
