By: Audrey Raymonda John
Personal hygiene plays a vital role in a student’s confidence, dignity, and overall school experience. For adolescents in particular, feeling clean and fresh is not merely about appearance; it is closely linked to self-esteem, social comfort, and the ability to participate fully in school life.
Following recent support from Pathway Schools in Maryland, USA, which donated sanitary pads to girls at Mayawa Academy in Yele Chiefdom, another U.S.-based organization, Team With Vision, has provided additional sanitary pads, deodorants, and body sprays for students.
The donation was facilitated by the proprietor of Patifu Mayawa Academy, Jacob Sax Conteh, who described the gesture as both timely and impactful.
“Deodorants help eliminate odor-causing bacteria, while body sprays provide a refreshing scent,” Conteh explained. “For students who spend long hours in classrooms or walk miles to school under the hot sun, managing sweat and staying fresh is important for their comfort and confidence.”
Mayawa Academy serves students from surrounding villages, many of whom travel long distances each day in humid conditions before settling into crowded classrooms. Without access to basic hygiene products, some students may feel self-conscious, distracted, or reluctant to engage with their peers.
Conteh emphasized that feeling fresh boosts self-esteem and allows students to interact freely without fear of embarrassment.
“Good hygiene is part of good manners and personal development,” he said. “It helps prevent discomfort in close-contact environments like classrooms and promotes respect for oneself and others.”
He added that learning to manage personal hygiene especially during adolescence is an essential life skill that contributes to physical health, mental wellbeing, and social growth.
The initiative complements the school’s ongoing efforts to provide modern support systems and create an environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
School authorities expressed appreciation to Team With Vision for what they described as a thoughtful and practical contribution.
“We are grateful to Team With Vision for their kindness,” Conteh said. “When students feel confident and supported, they are more motivated to attend school and perform well.”
The donation reinforces a simple but powerful message: empowering students goes beyond textbooks. Sometimes, confidence begins with something as fundamental as dignity, hygiene, and the assurance that they belong in the classroom.