Montclair Girl Raises Money For Huru International

Rebecca Gudzy, a 12-years-old Montclair girl who attends Glenfield Middle School, recently attended the International Year of Youth Celebration at the United Nations, which she learned about after he mom read about it here on Barista Kids. She was inspired by the young women who spoke about the changes they were making around the world.  She wanted to make a difference too. “I began to identify problems and issues where I could make a significant impact too. When most people think about making a difference, they assume the effort has to be huge such as discovering a cure for a disease or wiping out world hunger.”

Rebecca knew it didn’t have t be. That even small efforts can make a huge difference.

How did Rebecca choose to help? Listen up ladies — this is something we understand well. And men — if you have a daughter, a wife, a sister — this is important for you to know.

Rebecca learned that girls and women in Africa don’t have access to basic sanitary supplies.

Rebecca explains,” Typically, girls miss 3 to 4 days of school per month because they do not have pads due to the expense and limited availability.  A bag of flour costs about the same as a box of pads and feeding the family often comes before the girls’ needs.  Girls have to be creative and figure out ways to manage their periods and stop leaking.  They use a wide variety of substitutes for these basic needs such as banana leaves, rags, and pieces of cloth.  They even sometimes reuse soiled pads because that is their only option. These options are uncomfortable, embarrassing, ineffective, and can lead to infection and other health challenges.  In addition, frequently missing school means that the girls are not getting a complete education. They are more likely to drop out of school and thus, continue a cycle of poverty, powerlessness, and being trapped.”

Several organizations have been formed to tackle this challenge. Rebecca has chosen to partner with Huru International to make a difference. Huru International was formed in 2008, helped by financing from Johnson and Johnson.  They have developed a creative solution to this problem.  They distribute kits to girls in Kenya that include 8 reusable pads, detergent –like soap, 3 pairs of underwear, a waterproof bag for storing using pads, and educational information about HIV and other health concerns.

The kits are provided free of charge to the girls in a drawstring backpack. Each pad, because it is designed to be reused, can last for over one to two years! Therefore, a single kit can benefit a girl for up to 16 years.  In addition, Huru International employs local women in Kenya to make the pads which helps these women gain dignity, self pride, and financial independence.  As of October 2011, Huru International has given out over 20,000 kits in Kenya.  As a result of these efforts, over 70% of girls who previously missed school regularly report that they are able to attend school, thanks to receiving these supplies.  In addition, 85% of girls who received the kits have noted improved school performance.  Remarkably, a Huru kit only costs $25.  It’s amazing that such a small donation can change a girl’s life.  Even a donation of $12.50 would help significantly.  Rebecca’s goal is to raise $1,000 and help change the lives of 40 girls.

If you want to help Rebecca help the girls of Africa, you can make your charitable check out to Huru International and Rebecca will deliver these contributions to their headquarters in New York City.  If needed, Huru International is happy to provide you with a receipt acknowledging your contribution.  You can mail your contributions to her at 3 Kenneth Road, Montclair, New Jersey 07043.  If you have any questions, you can reach Rebecca at here.