It's been a very interactive experience for both the Adolescents and their facilitators. Issues around HIV, SRHR including Menstrual hygiene and Drug Abuse and its effect were discussed. Experts on key areas facilitated the sessions and guest speakers from the National Children's Commission, Girls Connect, Children's Forum Network, Ministry Gender and Children'sAffiers, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Inter-religious Council, NAS, NETHIPS RODA etc. gave motivational talks and interacted with the Adolescents during the retreat. Thr girls were taken on a tour at the HIV, SRHR clinics, the Out Patient Department, Rainbow centre and Adolescent Friendly centre in the Makeni Regional Hospital to get 1st hand information on what they do and also to build their confidence and reassurance to seek services when they need it.

In line with this year's theme, our girls have amplified their voices to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene management and empower their peers. They have chosen sustainability with the Girls Act Pads; a skin-friendly reusable clothe Pad. Our pads are pocket-friendly, eco-friendly and chemical and synthetic-free.

Girls Act Pads are available at the Girls Act Empowerment Enterprise on 21 Lunsar Road in Makeni and at the HAPPY centres and the AHF Country Office in Freetown. Proceeds will be use to support more girls in our rural communities as we are passionate in contributing to ending period poverty in our communities.

Thank you AHF-SL for your continued support and commitment to children and adolescents in Sierra leone