My Name is Chaltu, I am 13 years old, I live in Tulu Bolo Town. I am a member of ODA Adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health club. I was in my classroom following my education when I had my period for the first time and I was in a lot of pain. I was not comfortable telling what is happening to me to my classmate friend sitting next to me and my teacher. Then after ten minutes I stand from where I was sitting and try to leave class but blood was all over my cloth and on the floor. I was not wearing any pads because I did not know. The students saw the blood and told my teacher. They took me to our School menstrual hygiene management corner constructed by Oromia Development Association.

It is currently providing truly exciting services for so many female students. Our school ODA focal person and MHMC representative student took me in with a smile and start giving me counseling. I got water, soap, pads and underwear. They told me all female faces this cycle and it is a normal fact of life given by God, then I started to calm down. I took a rest on the sleeping place prepared at the corner until I recover from the pain.

Finally, I returned back to class and attended the remaining period. Now, I know menstrual cycle is natural gift and started to create awareness for other female students.

Currently I am a model student and I give counseling for other students on how to manage their menstrual cycle at school and help students get services at sanitary corner of the school. As a final point, I want to thank ODA for constructing menstrual hygiene management   corner at our school and for equipping it with a sanitary napkin from time to time.

       ODA-AYSRH Coordinator,

                                                                                       Tulu Bolo