The Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) yesterday presented personal hygiene items worth $5,000to the pupilsof the Dar es Salaam Primary School and Kindergarten in Accra.
The item which includes menstrual pads, toiletries, sanitisers among others, were given to the pupils and teachers to commemorate this year’s International Volunteer Day (IVD).
They were also sensitised by KOICA volunteers to the need to inculcate good personal hygiene practice, as well as keeping their environment clean to avoidcontact with infectious diseases.
KOICA’s Country Director, Mr Moo Heon Kong, who presented the items said, this year’s commemoration took a special significance as KOICA continued to deploy volunteers to developing countries through its World Friends Korea (WFK) programme.
He said this year, KOICA had deployed seven volunteers to Ghana, serving in various capacities and fields across the country.
Mr Kong assured of KOICA’s long term support to Ghana’s education system, and further commended the work of volunteers worldwide for their remarkable efforts in addressing the development needs of countries.
He said KOICA had been supporting and implementing developmental programmesin public health, agricultural, rural development, education and governance.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Christiana Kailebi Adom Bortey, receiving the items said, some teachers often had to contribute money to purchase menstrual pads for adolescent girls in the school.
She said some of the female students coming from poor homes use cloth or tissue paper during their menstruation periods, which makes them feel uncomfortable during teaching hours.
Mrs Bortey appealed to individual and benevolent organisations to emulate the kind gesture of KOICA and come to the aid of these girls as their parents cannot provide them with menstrual pads.
The IVD is set aside by the United Nations to encourage organisations and individuals to promote volunteerism, and as well urged governments to support volunteer efforts. It is celebrated every December 5.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
