Service-Learning Log:

Throughout the duration of my teaching experience, I tried to find something within the school that they lacked whether it be in resources or emotional support. This was my mission from the day I entered the school because I knew that in some way or another, no matter how big or small, I wanted to make a difference.

After a few encounters with girls in all three of my classes, I found that many of them did not have sanitary towels and this was when my idea to initiate a sanitary towel drive, had sparked. This is something that I knew would make a difference in the girls’ lives because as a female myself, I know the stress and anxiety that comes with unexpectedly getting your monthly menstrual cycle at school. This initiative therefore, was one that I felt would be effective because many of the girls came to school without any sanitary towels and happened to have asked me for one. The reason for them not having any of their own could be because they do not have enough to last them throughout the month or because they cannot afford any. This however, did not matter to me, all I wanted to do was help.

Not only were the towels sponsored to them through my initiative but along with it came an information session/talk through which I could share the reason behind the initiative, as well as for the girls to know that they have access to the product whenever they might need. To aid this, posters were placed in all the girls’ bathrooms around the school informing them about the initiative, as well as where they can access their towels.

This service-learning initiative has impacted me personally in that it made me realise how there are so many small things that we often overlook or take for granted. Me being able to help these girls, although in such a small manner brought joy to be and relief to them knowing that they do not have to worry about not having any sanitary towels but instead, can enjoy their school days and make the most of their last primary school career. It further taught me that if you work collaboratively with others, with good and clear communication, a common goal can be achieved which in this case, was bringing relief to the girls. Having other educators who are willing to oversee the initiative in future and who support your goals and ideas, truly made the experience a pleasant one.

In terms of professional development, through this experience, I was able to collaborate with other members of staff who willingly guided me and encouraged my ideas because they knew that my goal was for the benefit of the learners. I was additionally able to gain knowledge on the process that it takes in order to implement an initiative as such which is knowledge that I can take with me, and implement in my place of employment in the future.