In an inspiring joint effort to empower young girls and enhance their access to education and health rights, Smile for Community and the Legal Services Facility (LSF) have taken a significant step forward. As organizers of the esteemed Run for Binti Marathon, they have successfully provided Nanyamba and Chawi secondary schools in the Nanyamba Town Council with modern toilet facilities, equipped with 12 stalls. Additionally, they have distributed 2,500 sanitary pads to female students and planting trees, marking a pivotal moment in the collective endeavor initiated through last year’s marathon.

The Run for Binti Marathon is held annually and is now entering its third year. The previous year's event, which took place in July, was organized with the aim of gathering resources and efforts to ensure girls can experience safe menstruation and to enhance school infrastructure. This includes the availability of safe toilets and water, essential for protecting and improving the school environment for students. Following the successful completion of the renovations and construction of these facilities, the toilets have been upgraded with the installation of pipes, handwashing sinks, and the addition of a special changing room for girls. In line with the project's inclusive approach, the boys' toilets have also received significant upgrades.

Ms. Flora Njelekela, Director of Smile for Community, reflected on the mission’s core during the handover ceremony, stating, "Launching the Run for Binti Marathon was driven by our desire to protect and empower the girl child, ensuring her right to safe menstruation and an environment that fosters educational success. Recognizing the critical importance of proper sanitation facilities for the health and well-being of our students, we embarked on this project. By building these toilets and distributing sanitary pads, we aim to create a learning environment that is not only safe but also conducive to overcoming health challenges and the stigma associated with menstruation. We are filled with joy to see the tangible impacts of last year's marathon enabling positive changes in these schools. We encourage our teachers and students to maintain these facilities meticulously to ensure their durability and effectiveness."

Jane Matinde, Manager of Partnerships and Communications at LSF, added, "For over a decade, LSF has been dedicated to facilitating access to fundamental rights, including education and health. This commitment led us to partner with Smile Community in organizing and coordinating these marathons on an annual basis. We invite a broad spectrum of stakeholders to join hands in this endeavor."

The upcoming marathon, scheduled for May 25, is a call to action for stakeholders and individuals alike to come together and extend their support, aiming to impact more schools and students positively. Added Matinde

Jane Matinde, the Legal Services Facility's (LSF) Manager for Partnerships and Communications, expressed, "LSF has been steadfast in its mission to promote access to justice and rights for over 12 years, focusing significantly on the right to quality education and healthcare. This mission underscores our collaboration with Smile Community in the yearly organizing and coordinating of the Run for Binti Marathon, and it highlights our call to action for additional stakeholders to support us. We are immensely proud of our achievements in advancing the welfare and protection of girls in both health and education."

"Building on the momentum from last year's marathon, I am thrilled to announce that we are preparing for this year's event, scheduled for May 25th. We eagerly invite stakeholders and individuals alike to join forces with us, reinforcing our collective impact with the goal of extending our reach to more schools and a larger number of students," Matinde further elaborated.

Sefu Nayembe, speaking on behalf of the Mtwara District Commissioner, expressed gratitude towards LSF and Smile Community for their dedication and hard work. "The distribution of sanitary pads and the improvement of student sanitation facilities, including the installation of a changing room for girls, are monumental steps towards ensuring our students can study comfortably during their menstrual cycles and excel academically. We urge the community to support these efforts, mirroring the dedication shown by these stakeholders today."

Faima Abdallah, representing the student body, shared her appreciation, saying, "Thanks to LSF and Smile for Community, we now have better sanitation facilities and access to sanitary pads, which are essential for our health and well-being during menstruation. This support is invaluable in helping us pursue our educational goals without unnecessary barriers."

The 2023 Run for Binti Marathon was supported by generous sponsors including Isuzu, SGA security, Total Energies, Water for People, and Afya Water,  as well as 500 individual runners. This year Marathon is scheduled for May 25 in Dar es Salaam  with an aims to raise funds for further infrastructural improvements, provision of sanitary pads to schools, construction of water wells, tree planting, environmental conservation, and delivery of health and rights education to schools in underserved regions.

About Legal Services Facility (LSF): LSF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to justice for all, with a special focus on empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities to assert their rights. For more information, please visit the LSF website.

About Smile for Community: Smile for Community is a philanthropic organization committed to enhancing the welfare of communities through a variety of programs, including the Binti Marathon. For further details, please visit the Smile for Community website.