Allexer Namundjembo
Tim Martins, founder and CEO of the I Got Your Back, My Sisters (IGYBMS) project, has reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads.
Despite challenges in securing partnerships with government agencies, Martins expressed pride in the donations the project has received so far, which have already made a significant impact in various regions of Namibia.
“‘We are more dedicated to keeping the girl child in school. We are facing challenges such as partnering with government agencies, but we appreciate the donations we are getting particularly the sanitary pads,” he said.
According to Martins, the project has impacted more than 1000 girls in various regions, including Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto.
Schools that benefitted from this initiative include Uukwiyuushona Combined School, John Shekundja Combined School, Oshinamumwe Combined School, Shaanika Nashilongo Secondary School, and most recently Penexupifo Combined School, Ohangwena.
“Many young girls are compelled to skip school because they can’t access sanitary products. We are dedicated to changing this situation by providing them with what they are getting from donors. It is really disheartening to see a young child missing school due to this. Some learners have no funds to buy sanitary pads. Hence we are assisting them,” said Martins.
They are planning to take the next donations to the Kavango East region at Korokoko Combined School.
“Our next visit will be in Kavango East, and we are prepared to donate pads at Korokoko Combined School. We are mainly targeting schools in deep rural areas. Due to that, learners from those schools are finding it hard to access sanitary pads compared to those in urban areas,” he said.
Martins added that he has tried to contact different government agencies for sponsorship, but due to economic hardship, they received no assistance.
“We have tried to reach out to government agencies for sponsorships or donations, but we are not getting assistance. Some are saying they have no funds. We urge Namibian companies and individuals to support this cause by donating sanitary pads. This project is for everyone, and together we can ensure that every school-going girl in Namibia has the necessary supplies.” Martins said.
