There are jobs for all ability levels (yes even those with no sewing experience) – so everyone can join the sewing day on May 31 from 12 to 4pm at the Bellingen Public School hall.

Days for Girls before is a not-for-profit international charity who sew beautifully handmade menstruation kits for girls and women around the world.

Why? Because many girls around the world miss school as they have no access to sanitary items. Often they are forced to stay home or worse still hide out in the bush during this time. Many girls end up leaving school because they miss one out of every four weeks of school a month. However, Days for Girls have witnessed the school drop-out rate go from 24 per cent to 3 per cent in Uganda after kits were distributed. It is widely known that when you educate a girl she will pass her skills and knowledge onto her family and community.

The kits are designed to be washed and reused and are expected to last for three years. Each kit contains shields (with a waterproof layer), liners, underwear, a face washer, soap, safety pins for resizing, zip lock bags (for storage) and a bag.

If you cannot attend on the sewing day there are many other ways to help. Days for Girls are always in need of material donations - flannelette and quilters cotton prints (please be aware that there are strict guidelines on what is appropriate), 100 per cent cotton wash cloths, 100 per cent underwear (women's size 8-14), medium size safety pins, larger snap lock bags (double snap at the top), travel soap and other donations. To help contact Kathleen on 0412 839-839 or email: bellingenNSW@daysforgirls.org.

For more information about the charity or kits go to: www.daysforgirls.org.