When we landed in the village of Mungano, Kenya, I knew I would be helping with a lot of things.

Construction. Tree planting. A bubblegum math lesson that somehow turned into one of my favorite teaching memories ever.

But the thing I learned the most about was in presenting the Days for Girls program to the female students.

I want to tell you about it. Because I think every homeschool mom should know this program exists.

What Is Days for Girls?

Days for Girls International is a nonprofit organization with one mission: to make sure that a girl’s period never stops her education.

That probably sounds simple. But for millions of girls around the world, it’s anything but.

In many developing countries, girls don’t have access to menstrual hygiene products. (remember my previous post about the water there?) When their period comes, they miss school. Sometimes for a few days a month. Every month. Year after year.

Do the math on that. Girls in these situations can miss 10 to 20 percent of their school days every single year,  simply because of something their bodies do naturally.

Days for Girls addresses this in two ways: a reusable kit, and education.

The Kit

The Days for Girls kit is beautiful in its simplicity.

It includes reusable, washable shields and liners sewn from durable fabric, along with a bar of soap, a washcloth, underwear, and a carrying bag. The whole thing can last three or more years with proper care.

These kits are made by volunteer chapters and local enterprises all over the world. People in living rooms and churches and community centers,  sewing something that changes a girl’s life.

When a girl receives one, she doesn’t have to stay home anymore.

The Education

The kit matters. But honestly, the education component is what moved me most.

Days for Girls pairs each kit with a health curriculum that teaches girls about their bodies in a way that is dignified, accurate, and empowering. It covers puberty, menstrual health, and bodily autonomy.

For many of these girls, it is the first time anyone has explained these things to them in a safe, supportive environment.

I had the privilege of presenting this program to the female students at the Mungano school. The mix of shyness and curiosity and relief on their faces is something I will carry with me.

Girls who understand their bodies don’t have to be ashamed of them.

That is the whole point.

Why This Matters for Homeschool Families

One of the gifts of homeschooling is that we get to have the real conversations.

We don’t have to wait for a school health class. We don’t have to let our daughters get their information from friends or social media. We can sit down at the kitchen table and talk about the things that actually matter.

Days for Girls gives us a reason to expand that conversation beyond our own homes.

You can use their story as a launching point for discussing:

• Why education access is not equal around the world
• How something as simple as a kit can change a girl’s future
• What it means to serve with your hands, not just your money
• How your family can be part of the solution

Our family went to Kenya. But you don’t have to leave your home to make a difference through Days for Girls.

How You Can Get Involved

There are a few ways families can participate:

Sew kits. Days for Girls has chapters all over the United States where volunteers gather to sew the kits. You can find a chapter near you on their website, or start your own. This is a genuinely wonderful service project to do with older kids and teens.

Donate. Your dollars go toward kits and education programs distributed around the world. Even a small gift helps a girl stay in school.

Educate. Talk about it. Share this post. Let your daughters know that their education is a privilege worth protecting, and that other girls deserve that same chance.

You can learn more and get involved at daysforgirls.org.

What I Keep Thinking About

When I stood in front of those girls in Mungano and talked about their bodies and their health and their right to stay in school…

I was doing the same thing I do every day as a homeschool mom.

Teaching a child that she matters. That her mind matters. That her future matters.

That is why we homeschool. That is why we show up for our kids every single day.

And it turns out… that same reason is why Days for Girls exists.

Education is worth fighting for. Wherever in the world you happen to be.

This post is part of our Kenya series. Read the full story of our trip here.