The Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise has been providing supports to the people of Consuelo and the surrounding batteys in the Dominican Republic for two decades, and one of the more recent programs that we have delivered has been ”Kits for Girls”, under the direction of Margaret Jarvest. We recognized the strong need for young girls to be able to attend school every day, without a girl’s menstrual cycle prohibiting her from taking part in formal learning.
Each Kit has, at its core, hand-sewn waterproof protectors; eight hand-sewn “pads” made up of layers of material, all of which are washable and reusable; a facecloth; hand soap and laundry soap; and panties, contained in a drawstring bag. A lesson in hygiene practices and how to use the items is given by a Dominican teacher with grace and humour, and the girls are most receptive and grateful.
The cutting and sewing is done by Canadians (largely in Whitby and Kingston) and by Dominicans, too. A gift of bags, after our District Conference 2018, was made by Maureen Bird. With thanks, Maureen! Many hands have surely made lighter work!
Linda Rainey
Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
District 7070 Assistant Governor 2019-20
