Sanitary Pads
At the start of September, all girls that are menstruating and female teachers were given a free pack of sanitary pads.
Because many of the girls are too poor to be able to purchase sanitary pads, they simply stay at home each month during their period. In a
society where girls are already at a disadvantage, this puts them further behind.
Thanks to the wonderful products that Zana Africa produces at very affordable prices, Porridge and Rice can now provide all the girls at
each of its schools with the sanitary pads that they need so they never have to miss school again.
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Toothbrushes
Thanks to Operation Brush Porridge and Rice will supply each child in year 7
and 8 with an eco-friendly toothbrush.
The toothbrushes are provided by WooBamboo, a company that designs eco-friendly toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are made from
panda-friendly bamboo that is fast growing, biodegradable, and a natural antimicrobial (meaning it destroys and inhibits the growth of
microorganisms)
The plan is to supply the oldest children with a toothbrush every 6 months complemented by lessons on dental hygiene. The first
distribution of toothbrushes will take place early next year.
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Sadly, for people in the slums, there is seldom money to spend on dental hygiene. Some families don't eat 3 times a day, so a toothbrush
is not something that they can afford to consider. The result is serious problems with their teeth for most of the lives.
Many know that poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease and tooth decay when left untreated. However, what many do not know is the link
between poor oral hygiene and chronic illnesses. After severe neglect, an individual is at greater risk of suffering from a variety of
chronic illnesses, including: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, premature birth, memory loss, and more.
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