TILDA CARES FOUNDATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH CHIEF CHARLES ORIE FOUNDATION, CARRIES OUT HEALTH OUTREACH AT IKENEGBU GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL

By Grace Hygie-Enwerem

In continuing the birthday celebration of Mrs Ngozi Nkechinyere Awa, Chief Executive of Tilda Cares Foundation UK/Nigeria, the Foundation took its annual outreach to students at Ikenegbu Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri, today.

The event was supported by Chief Charles Orie, Akuatuegwu I of Umuokanne.

The celebration began with an opening prayer by Miss Chidinma Favour Nnadi, a student of the school.

Welcoming members of Tilda Cares Foundation, Mrs Sylvia Ogbonnaya, Guidance and Counsellor of the school, who spoke on behalf of the Principal, Mrs Victoria Omeni, expressed delight at the visit. She was especially gladdened to see the nurses in attendance and confirmed that they were professionals. According to her, this meant all health questions from the students would be properly addressed. She thanked Mrs Awa for choosing to share her birthday with the girls instead of keeping the celebration to herself.

The nurses did not disappoint as they delivered insightful health talks:

1. Menstrual Hygiene

Topic: “My Period, My Pride: Staying Clean, Confident & Healthy”

Speaker: Nurse Amarachi Okereke

She defined menstruation in simple terms: “Once a month, a girl or woman’s body releases a little blood and tissue from the womb through the vagina. It’s a natural sign that her body is healthy and can have babies in the future.” She emphasized that menstruation is normal, not an illness, and nothing to be ashamed of. “We just use pads to stay clean and comfortable,” she said.

2. Personal Hygiene

Topic: “Clean Body, Bright Future: Daily Habits for Every Girl”

Speaker: Nurse Oluebube Hygie-Enwerem

Nurse Oluebube Hygie-Enwerem took the students through personal hygiene and demonstrated how to use sanitary pads. She explained: “Personal hygiene is about taking care of your body and keeping it clean. When you feel clean and fresh, you feel more confident and ready to take on the day!” She urged the girls to boost their confidence by practicing good posture, taking care of their skin, and being kind to themselves. “Remember, confidence comes from within, and taking care of your personal hygiene is a big part of it. Be proud of yourself and your body!” she added.

In a tribute to Mrs Awa, Mrs Grace Hygie-Enwerem described her as an advocate who understood that advocacy is not just speech but a lifestyle. “She has lived it day after day with unwavering commitment,” she said. Mrs Hygie-Enwerem prayed that Mrs Awa’s new year would bring her strength, abundant joy, and the deep satisfaction of knowing her work truly matters.

The students, led by Mrs Chinelo Anokwa with teachers and Tilda Cares members joining, sang a birthday song for Mrs Awa.

Pads, wipes, snacks, and drinks were distributed to the students under the supervision of Mrs Mercy Okereke.

Miss Nwafor Oluebube gave the vote of thanks, thanking the Tilda Cares boss and members, and praying for their safe journey back. In the closing prayer, Mrs Grace Odu, a teacher in the school, thanked Tilda Cares Foundation, its CEO Mrs Awa and their benefactor, Chief Charles Orie, for remembering Ikenegbu Girls’ Secondary School, Owerri.