The 1994 Rwandan Genocide  took place in a matter of three months by which 1 million innocent men women and children were brutally murdered by Hutu Extremists. The destruction of infrastructure and severe depopulation crippled the economy, and has made Rwanda among Africa’s poorest countries. 

JANJA, a village in Northern Rwanda, is still facing repercussions from the Genocide. The lives of these villagers has been greatly affected, causing many social scourges like ignorance, theft, kidnapping. Most of the adult villagers are orphans and were forced to raise themselves.They were unable to farm during the wars, which led to a widespread famine that shattered whatever hope the war torn community had. 

Today, the remote village is densely populated. Caught in the midst of this recovering community are impoverished children and education is their only door to freedom.

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My 21 year old sister Cheyenne and her best friend JoJo have been volunteering at a school in Janja, where they work to empower girls thru education. 

The two main causes for lack of girls education in Rwanda is lack of sanitation supplies during mensuration, and fetching water...

The onset of menstruation is another key pressure point for girls’ schooling, especially in the developing world. A lack of gender separate bathrooms, no access to sanitary products, teasing from classmates, unsupportive teachers – all can disrupt a girl’s ability to participate in school.

“There is shame, there’s fear, there’s embarrassment..."

I raised enough money for the Akashinga all female anti-poaching unit to get enough THINX  and sponsorship to get these women period panties to help them do their jobs better. These period-proof undies hold up to 2 tampons’ worth — yet they look and feel like regular underwear. They are washable and reusable.

Now THINX  is offering  period starter kits for girls, a way to combat Leak-Anxiety Shouldn't Stop Teens from Living Their Lives
Growing up can be challenging: changing bodies, new friends, busy schedules... and periods can add to that worry — for kids *and* parents.

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This is a wonderful and renewable way for these Rwandan girls to ease into their flow, and keep up their education. Most girls don't go to school during their period as they have no way to protect themselves. 

We have direct access to getting these teens a full pack of THINX BTWN to help them learn about period protection and keep them in school. Cheyenne and JoJo are going back and can teach the girls how to use the underwear and how important it is to keep up with their studies, that this time of the month should not hinder them.

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You can learn more at: 
https://youtu.be/vZmoK0QGD0A 

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