About a year ago, NTCOGSO commenced preparation to advocate for access to the PPEP Talk program (Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program) in all NT government schools. The push for this program was initially raised by school body members from Central Schools Regional Council, and was passed as an official motion at last year's Annual Full Council.
Menstrual education matters. The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia reports that over half of students who menstruate experience severe pain, with a significant number missing school due to health issues. There is a widening gap in health outcomes for students in NT government schools, who currently do not have access to the federally funded programs available to many of their peers in private schools.
Recent research from The Education Engagement Taskforce (EET) reveals a sharp decline in engagement during the early years of secondary school, particularly among girls. The data shows that average engagement for girls drops significantly between Year 7 and Year 9. This may be - in part - due to puberty and body changes.
We have provided the Minister for Education, Jo Hersey with a service proposal and costing submission from the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia for the program to be delivered in NT Government schools.
We will continue to advocate for more equitable menstrual health education for students in our NT government schools. Watch this space for updates.
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Of interest, and related to this advocacy piece, might be Education HQ's recent article: 'Empathy, inclusion and confidence: new game to change way kids learn about periods'.
"Research reveals that almost 50 per cent of young Australian men feel their education on periods at school was poor or non-existent. This lack of understanding notably creates an environment where boys feel uncomfortable, only perpetuating the stigma.
In response, a new free online educational game, designed for eight- to 12-year-olds, aims to tackle the embarrassment and misinformation that often surrounds menstruation."
Parents and/or schools might like to share the game with their child(ren) and use it as an opportunity to talk about puberty education while fostering empathy, inclusion and confidence.
A final exciting update (for now) on this topic is Share the Dignity's recently announced plan for Menstrual Equity in Australia by 2031.
NTCOGSO has supported not-for-profit charity 'Share the Dignity' across the last year by taking part in their annual Christmas drive "it's in the bag", sharing resources from their education hub as well as promoting their Dignity Vending Machines as a suggestion to schools.