MakaPads
Problem(s):
When young girls start their periods they are unable to attend school.
That may result in dozens of missed school days annually.
Manufactured pads are too expensive for most to afford.
The alternatives to pads are large blankets or soiling ones clothing.
Solution(s):
Dr. Moses Musaazi (engineer) and his team developed a sustainable pad using papyrus.
Special Notes:
Papyrus grows extensively throughout Uganda.
It is easy to harvest and its collection does not harm the environment.
Once cut, it grows back within a few weeks. It is one of the most
absorbent materials in the world (more so than cotton).
Ugandans and refugees create the pads. Providing access to jobs and pay to individuals who would otherwise not have them (refugees/illiterate). Benefits Uganda socially and economically.
Cost approximately 950 shillings=25 US cents for a pack of 10. For example, it would cost 68 US dollars to provide 30 girls with 3 packs a month. They are given two extras to share with other female relatives to insure they are not taken from them.
“Thank you for considering girls as important people. Now girls are
important in education.”
(school teacher)
The Process: (abbreviated)
1. Refining papyrus
2. Papyrus cut into small pieces and made into sheets using paper
3. Sheets left out to dry (approximately 6 hours)
4. Pressed/softened
5. Sheets cut to size and put in plastic pocket for covering
6. Sanitized/packaged
When young girls start their periods they are unable to attend school.
That may result in dozens of missed school days annually.
Manufactured pads are too expensive for most to afford.
The alternatives to pads are large blankets or soiling ones clothing.
Solution(s):
Dr. Moses Musaazi (engineer) and his team developed a sustainable pad using papyrus.
Special Notes:
Papyrus grows extensively throughout Uganda.
It is easy to harvest and its collection does not harm the environment.
Once cut, it grows back within a few weeks. It is one of the most
absorbent materials in the world (more so than cotton).
Ugandans and refugees create the pads. Providing access to jobs and pay to individuals who would otherwise not have them (refugees/illiterate). Benefits Uganda socially and economically.
Cost approximately 950 shillings=25 US cents for a pack of 10. For example, it would cost 68 US dollars to provide 30 girls with 3 packs a month. They are given two extras to share with other female relatives to insure they are not taken from them.
“Thank you for considering girls as important people. Now girls are
important in education.”
(school teacher)
The Process: (abbreviated)
1. Refining papyrus
2. Papyrus cut into small pieces and made into sheets using paper
3. Sheets left out to dry (approximately 6 hours)
4. Pressed/softened
5. Sheets cut to size and put in plastic pocket for covering
6. Sanitized/packaged