MARS Project

The educational portion of the workshop should take between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The key areas covered are:

 

• What changes will occur to the body and what to expect - Puberty

• The biology of the menstrual cycle.

• How to look after yourself during this time (feminine hygiene)

• Myth busting - What is a myth and what is fact?

• Anonymous Questions box - Question and Answer session

 

Since there is no use for powerpoint presentations here in Kenyan schools we printed 3 posters which were used as our educational materials. These have been made available for download.

 

 

What changes will occur to the body and what to expect - Puberty

​This first section should engage the girls in a 'spot the difference' activity using the poster. Facilitate the room to call out differences they can see between the 2 females and discuss as appropriate. This section also included discussion of emotional changes they may experience during puberty as well as specific physical and emotional experiences during a monthly period. 

 

The Biology of the Menstrual Cycle

​Here we use the second two posters to discuss the menstrual cycle. It is very important here to discuss the issue of conception. Our focus group sessions identified a common misconception of 'safe' times to have unprotected sex and not conceive. As a team we decided the best way to tackle this was to dispell this belief and state that there was NO safe time to have unprotected sex. The tagline became 'you can get pregnant ANYTIME!' 

 

The cycle length and number of days of a period are also discussed. It is important to reiterate the importance of individual differences with regards to when girls go through puberty and characteristics of an individual menstrual cycle. It seems the girls are very distracted by the duration of their friends' period in comparison to their own. It is important to emphasise what is 'normal' and that the main importance is being familiar and comfortable with ones own cycle.

 

 

How to look after yourself during this time (feminine hygiene)

For most of the girls this will be their first introduction to reusable sanitary towels. It is key to emphasise the importance of proper hygiene particularly during menstruation. This includes both personal hygiene and proper care of the sanitary towels (washing and drying) to avoid infections and foul odours. We also stress how important it is for the girls to use their own towels only. There should be no swapping, borrowing or lending of towels.

 

Myth busting - What is a myth and what is fact?

This activity almost acts as a knowledge check. We call out sentences relating to menstruation and puberty and ask the class to call out if they think this is a fact or a myth. 

 

Anonymous Questions box - Question and Answer session

We used an annonymous question box as shown opposite which circulated the classroom during the session allowing the girls to annonymously post any questions they may have. The questions were then answered either at the end of the workshop or during follow up. A great way to overcome shyness and lack of confidence to speak out in front of the class but still get questions and concerns addressed.