By Nneka Ejeckam
The Class of 2001, Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, has on Oct. 30 marked its 25th anniversary with the donation of sanitary pads and a menstrual hygiene sensitisation programme for students of the institution.
The initiative, tagged PadAGirl Initiative 2026, formed part of activities marking the silver jubilee celebration of the old students, who chose to commemorate the milestone by giving back to their alma mater and supporting the younger generation.
Speaking during the programme, one of the coordinators of the initiative and an alumna of the school, Adys Ada Adaiba, recalled how Always Sanitary Pads representatives visited the institution during her secondary school days to distribute sanitary pads to female students.
She said the experience remained memorable and inspired her desire to recreate a similar experience for the present generation of students.
”I feel nostalgic, and I want these girls to have that feeling,” she said.
Addressing the students, Adaiba urged them not to allow menstruation to interfere with their education, stressing that menstruation is a natural biological process and should not constitute a barrier to regular school attendance or academic participation.
Also speaking at the event, Princess Cynthia Enweonwu-Arinze educated the students on proper menstrual hygiene, emphasising the importance of personal cleanliness and adopting appropriate hygiene practices during menstruation.
The initiative reflected the spirit of sisterhood, compassion and gratitude demonstrated by the old students in recognising the role their alma mater played in shaping their lives.
It also highlighted the importance of alumni associations and individuals contributing to the development of their former schools through meaningful interventions that support the welfare and advancement of younger students.
As the Class of 2001 celebrates 25 years of friendship, shared experiences and achievements, its members have demonstrated that milestone celebrations can extend beyond social gatherings to include acts of generosity, mentorship and lasting community impact.
Nneka Ejeckam is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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