With the dignity of schoolgirls considered a key factor in school drop-outs, the United Nations Population Fund has donated sanitary kits to learners at Odeitotela Combined School in the Omusati Region.

The kits are part of a N$7.4 million grant by the Japanese government and are meant for eight regions.

The UNFPA officer in charge, Loide Amkongo, said the project "Leave No One Behind" targets the most vulnerable girls.

"Today we are here after we have received financial support from the Japanese government under the project called 'Leave No One Behind,' but most importantly, it includes dignity kits for the girls."

Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala received the kits on behalf of the beneficiaries in the region.

"I just want to appeal to say, please let us continue these programs; they are really helping the most vulnerable ones. These schools find themselves almost on the borderline between Namibia and Angola, where the majority live in a very destitute situation and need assistance the most. And I think just selecting Odetitotela is something that we really, really appreciate, and on behalf of the region, we say thank you very much."

Odeitotela Combined School learner Helena Johannes thanked UNFPA for its charity work, saying it will help ensure that affected girls do not miss school.

" I am Johannes Helena, a learner in grade 8, and we girls at Odeitotela Combined School... Thank you for keeping a girl in school."

The Odeitotela Combined School in Anamulenge Circuit has 749 learners, from pre-primary to ninth grade.

Acting Principal Armas Ashipala says, like many other schools across the country, Odeitotela lacks chairs, tables, computers, a school fence, and classrooms.