Small Acts of Kindness Creating School Days for Girls in Kenya

A recent initiative led by SHIFT80, a non-profit organization based in Tokyo's Koto district, has turned simple acts of kindness shared on social media into a substantial support system for schoolgirls in Kenya. Between International Charity Day on September 5 and International Girls' Day on October 11, the '#KindnessAction' campaign resulted in a remarkable achievement: a total of 314 days' worth of school attendance support for girls facing challenges related to menstruation.

How It Works

The '#KindnessAction' campaign invited participants to share their acts of kindness on social platforms. For every share, corporate sponsors contributed a pack of menstrual supplies containing ten items for girls in need. A total of 157 shares led to the delivery of 157 packs (1,570 items) of sanitary products, showcasing the powerful impact of collective social media activity.

In many parts of Kenya, especially among girls in slum areas, the reality is grim. Many miss school for several days each month due to an inability to afford menstrual supplies, with statistics indicating that over 90% of girls in some regions miss school during their menstrual periods. According to a study published in the Nation newspaper, 63.4% of Kenyan women responded that they need between 11 to 20 sanitary pads per cycle, but 75.4% reported relying on one or two packs monthly due to financial constraints. Thus, the 10 items in a pack equate to approximately two to three days of school attendance.

This means that the '#KindnessAction' campaign has significantly contributed to improving educational opportunities for these girls, helping them attend school for nearly an entire year with the supplies provided. Furthermore, the lack of access to menstrual supplies not only affects educational opportunities but also heightens the risk of exploitation and violence. Alarmingly, 33.6% of survey participants reported having experienced sexual harassment or exploitation due to the absence of sanitary products, reinforcing the importance of addressing this issue.

Bridging the Gap Through Social Media

The '#KindnessAction' campaign illustrates how everyday social media interactions can effectively lead to tangible aid. Each social media post becomes a stepping stone, allowing individuals to feel connected and supportive even from a distance. The act of sharing kindness lowers psychological barriers to charitable participation, contributing to a culture of sharing and empathy.

According to the Charities Aid Foundation's 'World Giving Index 2024,' Japan ranks a disappointing 141 out of 142 countries in terms of charitable donations and support actions. Shift80 aims to change this narrative by transforming empathy into actionable support, viewing this campaign as just the beginning.

Voices from the Initiative

Migi Sakata, the representative director of SHIFT80, shared heartfelt sentiments regarding this campaign: "Many girls lose educational opportunities simply because they can't afford a pack of sanitary products. We believe that sharing even the smallest amount can create significant change. #KindnessAction is the first step towards that goal. Each social media post could lead to an empowered learning environment for a girl living in a slum in Kenya, instigating further kindness in others who witness it. Through the sharing of small acts of kindness, we can gradually create a more compassionate society. SHIFT80 will continue its mission to broaden the culture of sharing."

Future Directions

As a continuation of this initiative, SHIFT80 plans to begin distributing sanitary supplies in the slum areas of Nairobi starting December 2025. Collaborating with local schools and women’s support organizations, they aim to foster an environment where girls feel secure and supported in their educational pursuits.

Moving forward, SHIFT80 will persist in promoting small acts that can be transformed into significant outcomes, ensuring that this cycle of kindness continues without faltering. Their mission is clear: the support offered through one social media post or act of generosity should lay the foundation for ongoing assistance and community engagement.

Conclusion

Beyond just helping girls attend school, the '#KindnessAction' campaign is about advocating for their dignity and security. By connecting acts of kindness through digital platforms, SHIFT80 is not only addressing immediate needs but is also planting the seeds for an evolved culture of generosity and support in Japan and beyond.