Overview
In Sierra Leone, thousands of girls miss school every month simply because of their periods. Regular school latrines often lack the privacy and water access girls need to manage menstruation safely and with dignity. Without these essential facilities, many girls stay home an average of 4–5 days each month—adding up to nearly 20% of the school year lost. Too often, that gap is never recovered.
At Girls Supporting Girls, we believe no girl should have to choose between her education and her dignity. That's why, together with our partners Schools for Salone and UmenTok, we are launching the She Belongs in School Campaign this October.
Our goal: Raise $10,000 to build 4 SHE Shelters — specialized menstrual hygiene facilities that provide girls with the privacy, clean water access, and safe space they need to manage their periods at school. These dedicated facilities give girls the dignity, safety, and support they need to stay in school all year long.
Each SHE Shelter costs $2,500 and includes everything needed for a complete solution: privacy walls, water systems for proper hygiene, roofing, bricks, paint, soap, and other essential supplies. Every contribution makes a difference in creating these life-changing facilities.
Join us in ensuring that she belongs in school—every day of the year.
The African Philosophy "Ubuntu" reminds us that we are all connected:
“I am because we are.”
When one girl is lifted up, we all rise together.
Donation Structure
$2,500 - Build an Entire SHE Shelter
"Give a girl the space where she can manage her period with dignity — so she never has to miss the 4–5 days of school each month that so many girls in Sierra Leone currently lose." Donate now
$1,250 - Fund a Stall (2 stalls per shelter)
"Her own safe, clean space — so she never has to join the 10% of girls who miss school during their period." Donate now
$500 - Bricks for Construction
"Support girls' education and period dignity brick by brick — every brick helps prevent the 20% annual learning loss caused by period-related absenteeism." Donate now
$300 Water Tank & Catchment System
"Give her the water she needs to manage her period with dignity — and reduce the days of school she would otherwise miss." Donate now
$150 - Roof (Zinc/Tin Panels)
"With a secure roof over their heads, girls can manage their periods without fear of harassment or shame — and without missing classes." Donate now
$70 - Two Doors for Privacy
"Privacy means confidence. Confidence to safely manage their periods without shame or embarrassment. Confidence to stay in school each and every day — not lose 4–5 days each month." Donate now
$50 - Paint for the Shelter
"Everything looks better with a fresh coat of paint — creating a beautiful space for girls to manage their periods signals a community's commitment, value, and investment in girls and their education." Donate now
$20 - Soap for Full School Year
"Soap helps girls remain clean and healthy, keeping them in school and out of the 10% who miss class when they menstruate." Donate now