Vision: To encourage uninterrupted attendance in school for young women in rural Sri Lanka by providing sani-pads free of charge.
Mission: Raise funds to purchase necessary equipment and raw materials for the manufacture of sanitary pads. NECF has made education a priority for every child, especially for girls. Our programs provide necessary books and computers, build sanitary facilities with clean water and cooperate with rural schools to provide sanitary napkins for young women, awarding them with uninterrupted opportunities for education.
In the heart of rural Sri Lanka, New Era Children’s Fund (NECF) is pioneering a vital initiative, Sani-Pad Lanka, aimed at transforming the lives of young women by ensuring their uninterrupted education. This initiative is not just about providing access to education; it’s about nurturing an environment where young women can attend school with dignity and confidence, free from the barriers posed by menstrual health challenges. By offering sanitary pads at no cost, NECF is addressing a critical need that aligns with our broader commitment to empowering young women through education.
Our mission is ambitious yet clear: to secure the necessary funding for equipment and raw materials to locally produce low-cost, hygienic sanitary pads. This effort is part of NECF’s holistic approach to education, which includes supplying schools with essential learning tools and constructing facilities equipped with clean water. Collaborating closely with rural schools, we’re ensuring that sanitary napkins reach those in need, thereby safeguarding young women’s uninterrupted educational journeys.
The inspiration behind Sani-Pad Lanka traces back to the groundbreaking work of Arunachalam Muruganantham from Tamil Nadu, India. His inventive spirit led to the creation of the world’s first low-cost machine for making sanitary towels, a solution born out of personal experience and a deep desire to improve menstrual health practices among Indian women. Muruganantham’s initiative has since scaled, with over 600 machines installed across 23 states in India, dramatically improving access to menstrual hygiene and empowering local communities by fostering economic opportunities.
This remarkable achievement serves as a beacon for NECF’s efforts in Sri Lanka. By mirroring Muruganantham’s model, we aim not only to enhance menstrual health and educational continuity for young women but also to stimulate local economies through the production and distribution of sanitary pads. This project exemplifies the power of innovation and community-driven solutions in overcoming societal challenges.
Through Sani-Pad Lanka, NECF is committed to writing a new chapter in the story of female education and empowerment in rural Sri Lanka. By integrating tangible success stories like Muruganantham’s, we aim to inspire our donors and investors with the impact of their support. Join us in this transformative mission, where every sanitary pad we provide is a step toward equality, dignity, and the boundless potential of every young woman.