Grace Yufela is the fourth child in a loving family of seven. She grew up during the era in Cameroon, Africa where the girl child had no opportunity to go to school, but was forced into early marriage. Grace’s parents broke the taboo of not sending girl children to school and sent Grace to school. Grace went to St Joseph Girl’s Primary School, Bamenda; St Augustine’s College, Nso and went for further Studies to Britain where she studied Secretariat Duties.
Dear Supporters and Collaborators,
Thank you for your vital support of the Grace Yufela Moon Pad initiative, which empowers
young girls in Cameroon by promoting menstrual health and accessible behavioral health
education. Every donation has contributed to our goals and future expansion, creating an
environment for young women to thrive with dignity. We appreciate your partnership and
dedication as we continue to uplift more girls.
With gratitude,
Dr. Florence Njoyi
The Grace Yufela Moon Pad Project Team
Grace Yufela Moon Pad Project
2024/2025 Pilot Phase 1 Project Report
The Grace Yufela Moon Pad project
2024/2025 Pilot Phase 1 Project Report
St. Francis Home for Skills Training, Njavnyuy, Kumbo Cameroon
The Grace Yufela Moon Pad project exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing menstrual health. It empowers young girls by providing practical solutions, hands-on training in sewing, and personal development workshops, fostering self-reliance and confidence. The students gain reusable pads and invaluable skills, allowing them to continue their education without interruption. The project’s focus on sustainability and community engagement ensures lasting impact, promoting inclusivity, and breaking down gender barriers. As it expands, the initiative remains dedicated to uplifting girls and nurturing a future where they can thrive with confidence and pride.
Background
Initiative Need Assessment, Plan and Timeline: The Grace Yufela Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Afrocare Services MN and the Saint Francis Home for Skills Training, conducted a needs assessment at the start of the 2024 academic year, revealing that girls at the training center need educational resources and menstrual supplies. Starting January 2025, the initiative trained girls to sew and maintain reusable pads, fostering independence and empowerment. It included workshops on menstrual and behavioral health, sustainability, and personal development for community knowledge-sharing. The implementation team evaluated the Impact of the project through feedback from the girls, community leaders, and the entire staff and leadership of Saint Francis Home for Skills Training. targeting improved school attendance and attitudes towards menstrual health by 2025, aiming to create a model for wider success.
Project Goal(s): The project facilitated access to sewing machines and breathable materials to produce reusable pads, benefiting one hundred college girls during the 2024/2025 academic year and beyond. The principal and staff of Saint Francis Home for Skills Training College voluntarily conducted workshops and training sessions focused on hygiene. They fostered a collaborative sense of responsibility among both female and male students during the sewing process. Additionally, they advocated self-sufficiency and coordinated initiatives to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and mental health issues. They focused on raising hygiene standards while also boosting students’ self-esteem and promoting their overall health.
Year 1 Pilot Project Overview
The Moon Pads Project is a transformative initiative aimed at providing sustainable menstrual health solutions to young girls in underprivileged communities. Launched in January 2024, the project has rapidly gained momentum, driven by a passionate team dedicated to fostering empowerment and resilience. By producing and distributing reusable menstrual pads, the project aspires to break barriers and ensure that no girl faces educational interruptions due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.
The project introduced workshops on menstrual health to empower girls and break the stigma surrounding menstruation. Upcoming initiatives involve collaborating with schools in Bui Division, Northwest Province of Cameroon to distribute educational resources and guarantee that every girl receives equal opportunities to have reusable pads The pilot project successfully produced 100 reusable pads, ensuring that every girl student of menstruating age received five pads each. During the hygiene health workshop, the project coordinators recognized that the girls would require small buckets, soap, and bleach for cleaning the pads after use. Each girl received five pads, along with a small bucket, soap, and bleach, which are sufficient for a duration of six months.
Strategic Partnership and Collaboration: The Grace Yufela Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Afrocare Services MN, USA, and the Saint Francis Home for Skills Training in Njavnyuy, Kumbo, Cameroon, launched in the Grace Yufela Girls Moon Pad Initiative in January 2024. The initiative aimed to alleviate poverty and improve educational access for young women by addressing the lack of menstrual resources. The initiative, supported by financial and voluntary contributions, provided sustainable menstrual products to young girls. Students at Saint Francis Home for Skills Training in Cameroon created reusable menstrual pads, gaining practical skills and a sense of accomplishment. This process fostered sustainability awareness, community support, unity, and encouraged mutual respect while breaking gender barriers.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Ms. Assurance Ayilara, Founder and CEO of One Pad in Nigeria, for her material procurement efforts, and to Ms. Charlotte Zama for her contributions to coordination. We also appreciate the financial support from the Bui Family Union in Minnesota, The Carolina, USA, Mr. Banseka Julius Petters, and Dr. Eunice Gwanmesia, which has been crucial for the project’s initiation and sustainability.
Community Engagement and Sustainability: The establishment of the “Grace Yufela Moon Pad” initiative has fostered a collaborative environment in which members support one another to realize project goals. The collective enthusiasm surrounding the project has propelled it forward, celebrating milestones that exemplify the power of collaboration. Through collaboration, coordination and support, The Moon Pads Project is a symbol of hope for many girls, enabling young girls to pursue education with dignity, pride, and selfrespect.
Looking ahead, the Moon Pads Project aspires to broaden its impact by providing educational resources and support, thereby inspiring self-sufficiency, and empowerment in additional communities. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also cultivates a culture of empowerment and resilience for future generations of women.
Future Directions
The Grace Yufela Moon Pads Project is now entering its second phase, strategically positioned for expansion with the objective of producing 300 pads for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond. This initiative aims to reach neighboring colleges and the mothers/sisters of students while promoting self-sufficiency among girls. By improving educational resources and forming strategic partnerships, the project seeks to empower girls/women, preparing them for the future with confidence and dignity.
Conclusion
The Moon Pads Project represents a significant beacon of hope and transformation, illustrating the powerful effects of collective action and visionary support aimed at addressing the challenges and stigma surrounding menstruation for girls. As the project evolves, it remains steadfast in its core mission: to empower girls to realize their full potential with pride and self respect.
