We are thrilled to share stories from the Wunders team as part of our 5th anniversary celebration.

Our first story is from Wunders Kenya Chairperson Neddy. Neddy gives a unique perspctive on how the program has grown and the impact she has seen and heard from teachers over the past five years.

Read the story below!

Today, at many partner schools in Kenya, more girls are playing in the schoolyards at recess. Their laughter bounces off the surrounding buildings, their shoes pivot in the dirt as they chase each other, and their smiles flash in the sunshine. With glowing faces and lighter hearts, they are able to be the children that they are.

The picture was different five years ago. Once girls began menstruating, many would stay out of school for five to seven days a month, Neddy says, because families do not have enough money to prioritize the needs of a girl over buying food. Girls would use old rags, tear their own clothes to make rags, or just sleep at home and bleed on their bedding. In the schoolyard, girls would have messy accidents, endure the subsequent embarrassment, and be sent home. They suffered cyclical isolation and shame, compounded by repeated gaps in their schooling and reduced academic performance. The schoolyard at recess time was a quieter, emptier place.

Read the full story here.