Empowering Young Lives Through Hygiene: A Day at Destined Children’s Orphanage

Shades of Us and Adeyemi Orphanage Relief (ADORE) Celebrate the Visit to Destined Children Orphanage Home with the Children and Staff 

By Cynthia Umeh and Simbiat Amzat 

There is a simple truth often overlooked: good hygiene is one of the most powerful tools we can give a child. It is not just about cleanliness; it is about dignity, confidence, and the foundation for a healthy future. From learning how to properly wash their hands to understanding the significance of menstrual hygiene, these habits become building blocks for self-esteem and independence.

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Adeyemi Orphanage Relief (ADORE), in partnership with Shades of Us, visited Destined Children’s Orphanage in Abuja. The goal was simple: to teach children about hygiene and reduce the shame around periods.

We were welcomed by the children and staff. The visit included interactive games and talks, making it easier for the children to understand the importance of hygiene.

Dr. Joy, operations manager at ADORE, gave a session on personal hygiene. She explained handwashing, bathing, and grooming in a way the children could relate to. For the girls, we talked more about menstrual hygiene and how to handle periods without shame.

Our founder, Ramatu Ada Ocheklyike, introduced FLOW, a short film by Shades of Us about the realities of menstruation for girls in different communities. As the film started, both the girls and boys watched closely. Ramatu guided the children into a thoughtful conversation after the screening, posing questions that sparked reflection:

"Can menstruation stop a girl from going to school?"
"What kind of menstrual hygiene products do you know?"
"How can schools support girls when they’re on their periods?"

The girls and boys answered shyly at first, but they shared personal opinions and stories, asked questions, and left the session empowered with knowledge and a new sense of pride. For some, this was the first time anyone had spoken to them openly and without shame about menstruation.

Some key highlights are that two adolescents from the orphanage shared their takeaways from the session. A 15-year-old girl expressed her gratitude, saying, “I learned that girls should not be discouraged when we see our menstruation, and we should not be ashamed about it.” 

Similarly, a 16-year-old boy highlighted the importance of educating boys as well: “When I see a girl stained, I will protect her; I will try helping her by taking her to class or escorting her to her room. Or if I am wearing a jacket and a shirt, I can pull my jacket and give her to tie around her waist.”

It was a space of truth and safety

We rounded off the day by distributing hygiene kits, but beyond the physical kits, what we really handed over were tools for dignity and knowledge that will ripple into the future.

This initiative was not just another outreach; it was a continuation of our commitment to promote the health and well-being of African children, especially the most vulnerable. At Shades of Us, our mission remains clear: to champion the health and well-being of children of African descent. Through initiatives like this, we aim to break the silence around menstrual hygiene, eliminate stigma, and equip children with the tools they need to live full, healthy lives.

This outreach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It is a reminder that when we teach children how to care for their bodies, we are also teaching them how to honor their dignity, and that is a lesson that lasts a lifetime.