In a village named Gasaka, a nine-year-old girl wakes up to get ready for school with no fear of contracting a waterborne illness or being kept from attending.

Charlene Iradukunda (which means “God loves us”) is a 9-year-old in grade Primary 5 at a school near her village. Her favorite subject is math and she hopes to someday become a doctor.

Charlene is grateful for her school’s new safe room for girls which gives them access to a private bathroom with a flushing toilet, menstrual pads, and sinks. This room allows these girls to stay safe and stay in school during their periods. She also mentioned how their new rain tank helps the students to increase hygiene practices, equipping them to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom. She is even part of her school’s WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) club, a group of students who promote good sanitation and hygiene practices!

Charlene’s school has 600 students and 11 teachers. Because of the contributions you have made to our African partners, she and her female classmates have the opportunity to stay in school and to practice healthy menstrual hygiene. Because of you, Charlene’s dream of studying to become a doctor can be a reality!