Before UVP’s Adolescent Reproductive Health program came to his school, Anifu had little guidance on puberty or relationships. His parents were busy with work and had little time to talk with him and his siblings about what to expect. Many of his friends were already pursuing relationships and encouraged him to do the same. Without guidance, he felt confused and worried about being left out or judged by his peers.
“I was ignorant about certain aspects of life,” Anifu says. “I lacked knowledge about Adolescent Reproductive Health, how to handle myself during the adolescence stage, as well as managing my emotions amidst peer pressure and influence.”
Learning to Understand Himself
Anifu was drawn to the sessions on puberty and emotional development, including menstrual hygiene management and how to make reusable sanitary pads.
“The favorite part of the session is managing our bodies during puberty and managing the emotional feelings, which has really helped me to embrace the changes on my body and manage the peer pressure around me,” he says. “I am now confident about myself, and I resist peer influence.”
Anifu is now a student leader who speaks at school assemblies about health topics.
Breaking Down the Stigma
Anifu once viewed periods as shameful, “a girl’s stuff,” and looked down on girls who were menstruating. Learning to make reusable sanitary pads himself, alongside girls in his class, changed that. He’s since taught his own siblings how to make them.
“This learned skill will also help me generate income if I start making reusable sanitary pads for a business,” he adds.
As a student leader, Anifu now offers advice to his peers on healthy adolescent life and encourages them to seek support from trusted teachers. “I always share with my peers and my siblings about puberty and how to manage peer influence,” he says.
Looking Forward
Anifu hopes to finish his education and become a medical doctor.
“I am now confident about myself. I will make it in life because I have been equipped with the life skills to make informed decisions in order to reach my personal ambitions.”