A Non Governmental Organization in Teso has donated sanitary towels to 180 girls in four primary schools.

Speaking at the function on Friday, Elimu ya Mtoto Msichana Foundation chairperson Doris Wekesa said the initiative was aimed at reducing gender disparities in public schools in Teso.

A total of 70 pupils benefited from the scheme in Kokare primary, Kocholia 44, Kiriko 28 and Gara 36 pupils.

Wekesa thanked a Nairobi based businessman Philemon Imoh who is also a resident for his sh30, 000 donations and appealed to other well wishers to emulate that his generosity.

Addressing parents and pupils of Gara primary school, Wekesa said lack of sanitary towels was a major deterrent to girl child education in Teso. She said EMMF will roll the programme to all primary schools in Teso North and South districts to help cut absenteeism and boost girls’ confidence.

Wekesa said early pregnancy and marriages, peer pressure, lack of self esteem were major challenges facing the girl child in Teso.

She warned parents against forcing under age children to take Identity cards saying it was contributing to early marriages.

Recently, Prime Minister Raila Odinga directed Education ministry to seek Sh2.6million in the next financial year to buy sanitary towels for all school girls countrywide.

Wekesa said while the gesture by the PM was timely, she expressed concerns over the slow manner in which the government was handling the issue.

Apart from supplying sanitary towels, EMMF also provides guiding and counseling.

The function was attended by school head teacher, Sospeter Etyang, Deputy Head Christabel Muhatia and School management committee officials.