ITHATE (Love Yourself)

1. Period Poverty and Menstrual Hygiene: In Lesotho, as in many parts of the world, period poverty is a pressing issue. Lack of access to sanitary products and hygienic facilities hinders the education and well-being of young girls and women. According to UNESCO, this issue is widespread, with millions of girls missing school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene management. Through ITHATE (Love Yourself), NomaPads Foundation addresses this problem by creating safe and hygienic spaces in local schools, ensuring girls have access to menstrual products and education about their reproductive health.

2. Mental Health: The stigma around mental health is a significant concern in Lesotho and globally. Lack of awareness and support services for mental health issues can have severe consequences for young individuals. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are a leading cause of disability among youth. ITHATE empowers youth to address mental health concerns through creative and artistic tools, providing them with a means of expression and emotional support.

3. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Misinformation, cultural taboos, and lack of access to comprehensive sexual education are key challenges in Lesotho. These issues can lead to unsafe sexual practices and limited knowledge about reproductive health. According to UNFPA, access to SRHR is a fundamental human right. NomaPads Foundation seeks to address these challenges by developing creative, interactive and culturally sensitive educational materials, collaborating with educational institutions, community leaders, and health professionals to establish a comprehensive curriculum.

The scale of these problems is significant, not only in Lesotho but also on a global scale. Period poverty, mental health stigma, and inadequate sexual education are challenges faced by millions of young individuals worldwide, affecting their education, well-being, and future prospects.

NomaPads Foundation's multifaceted approach aims to impact a broad audience. Our menstrual hygiene and sexual education initiatives in schools have the potential to reach numerous students, directly addressing period poverty and inadequate SRHR education while also creating a safe and holistic approach to this matter. Additionally, their mental health programs and creative initiatives empower young individuals to manage and nurture their mental well-being and develop sustainable skills for their future.

By leveraging creative arts, innovative technology, and partnerships with various stakeholders, we aim to create a comprehensive approach to these issues.

1. Menstrual Hygiene: NomaPads Foundation's ITHATE not only establishes safe and hygienic menstrual rooms within local school toilets but also produces essential menstrual supplies, including reusable menstrual pads and underwear. These sustainable and cost-effective products are made with 100% cotton absorbing materials and can last up to 2 years. They are made to ensure that girls have access to reliable menstrual hygiene solutions. Additionally, the foundation educates them about menstrual health, promoting hygienic practices and reducing period poverty.

2. Mental Health Support: The foundation empowers youth to express themselves through creative arts, such as music, art, and writing. These activities serve as therapeutic outlets and platforms for emotional expression. By fostering creative skills, NomaPads Foundation helps young individuals better manage their mental health.

3. Sexual Education: NomaPads Foundation collaborates with educational institutions and community leaders to develop culturally sensitive and interactive educational materials through podcasting. These materials address sexual and reproductive health topics, providing accurate information and promoting open dialogue. Technology is used to create innovative and engaging learning materials tailored to the diverse youth population in Lesotho.

4. Skills Development: In addition to menstrual supplies and educational resources, NomaPads Foundation also teaches various skills to youth, helping them acquire practical and sustainable abilities for their future livelihoods. These skills enable them to become more self-reliant and contribute to their communities.

NomaPads Foundation's solution is a comprehensive approach that combines physical infrastructure, creative arts, educational content, menstrual supplies, and skills development to address the specific challenges faced by young individuals in Lesotho. It leverages technology to create engaging and culturally relevant educational resources while providing practical tools and knowledge to promote the overall well-being and empowerment of the youth in the region.

The Target Population: The girls in the age range of 10 to 21 in Lesotho are a particularly vulnerable group. They often come from impoverished backgrounds in remote regions, where access to essential resources and educational opportunities is limited. Here's a more detailed description of this target population:

1. Age Range (10-21): Adolescence and young adulthood are critical phases of personal development and education. These girls are at a crucial stage in their lives where they are forming their identities, making life choices, and building their futures.

2. Local Community schools: Most of our local schools have very poorly constructed toilets and for some, there are no toilets at all. We design and work with an architectural organisation to build and implement our plans and designs. 

3. Impoverished and Remote Areas: Many of these girls come from impoverished communities in remote areas, where poverty rates are high, and access to basic amenities, including education and healthcare, is limited. These regions often lack the infrastructure and services found in urban areas.

4. Limited Government Support: Government resources and support in these areas are often insufficient to meet the diverse needs of the population. This results in inadequate access to quality education, healthcare, menstrual hygiene products, and mental health services.

With an established presence in 9 schools and 4 districts, we are at the forefront of providing regular menstrual hygiene and SRHR education, thereby eradicating misconceptions and fostering a culture of openness and dialogue. This is an inclusive team that caters to and works with youth of all diverse backgrounds, sexual orientation and capabilities.

Community Engagement: We work closely with our community as our offices and pads studio are within the community. We have community leaders as part of our governing board members and every now and then, we engage with them on leadership and advocacy matters that can address our issues. 

Youth-Led Empowerment: NomaPads Foundation encourages active youth participation through leadership roles and creative self-expression. Youth in our programs take charge of running their own clubs, telling their stories, and addressing relevant issues under the guidance of our experienced facilitators. This approach instils a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a community of confident change-makers.

Ithate Youth Project's Successes: The Ithate Youth Project, a flagship project under NomaPads Foundation, has made remarkable strides in youth empowerment. Notably, the club organized a transformative youth boot camp that delved into vital topics including SRHR, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Career Guidance, and Activism through Art. This initiative not only equipped participants with essential life skills but also ignited a passion for advocacy and social change.

- 7000 +/- Young girls receiving reusable pads

- 3500 +/- individuals who visit our pads studio

- Over 150 000 young people on our social media platforms and podcasting listeners listings. 

Here's how our solution stands out as innovative:

1. Holistic Approach to Youth Development: Nomapads Foundation takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to youth development, integrating sexual and reproductive health education with skill-building programs. This unique combination empowers young individuals not only with knowledge but also with practical skills that enhance their self-reliance and creativity. It recognizes that youth require more than just information – they need tools to lead dignified lives.

2. Breaking Taboos and Stigmas: Our solution challenges deeply ingrained taboos and stigmas surrounding sexual health and menstruation. By fostering open dialogues and providing information and resources, we tackle these sensitive topics head-on. This innovative approach helps to eliminate misinformation, reduce societal stigmatization, and create a more inclusive and understanding environment.

3. Youth Leadership and Community Involvement: Nomapads Foundation places a strong emphasis on youth leadership and community engagement. We empower youth to take on leadership roles, run their own clubs, and create their own stories. By involving youth as change-makers, our solution catalyzes broader positive impacts, as these empowered individuals become advocates for positive change within their communities and beyond.

4. Collaborative and Sustainable Approach: Our innovative solution leverages strategic partnerships with government institutions, local NGOs, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. By collaborating closely with various stakeholders, we amplify our impact, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of our programs. This collaborative approach creates a ripple effect, as partners and communities are inspired to join in and promote positive change.

5. Customized Educational Materials: We develop culturally sensitive and interactive educational materials tailored to the specific needs and context of Lesotho. These resources resonate with the local population and are delivered in a way that is engaging and relatable to the youth, making learning more effective.

6. Utilizing Technology for Education: While our core programs are hands-on and in-person, we leverage technology to reach a broader audience and provide information and resources. This includes creating digital content and utilizing online platforms for virtual training and information dissemination.

7. Social Enterprise Ventures: Our focus on skill-building programs opens the door to potential social enterprise ventures. By enabling youth to create products, such as reusable menstrual products, we not only provide them with income-generating opportunities but also promote sustainability by reducing waste and addressing menstrual poverty.

NomaPads Foundation's mission is to create a secure and nurturing environment for young individuals, enabling them to thrive by providing creative and artistic tools that empower them to lead dignified and impactful lives in the domains of mental, menstrual, and sexual well-being. Our vision revolves around establishing a central hub that effectively tackles Period Poverty, Mental Health, and SRHR issues, aligning our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 17.

Impact Goals for the Next Year:
1. Youth Empowerment: In the next year, our goal is to empower at least 500 young individuals with comprehensive sexual education, practical skills, and knowledge that promote mental, menstrual, and sexual well-being.

2. Community Engagement: We aim to engage with a minimum of 10 community leaders, healthcare professionals, and local organizations to facilitate open dialogues, reduce stigmas, and encourage active involvement in the topics of SRHR and youth development.

3. Educational Materials: By the end of the next year, we intend to have developed and distributed culturally sensitive educational materials that reach a broad audience, enhancing understanding and awareness.

4. Partnerships: Our goal is to establish at least three strategic partnerships with governmental bodies and educational institutions to integrate our programs into national curricula, impacting the quality of education and youth development.

How We Will Achieve These Goals:
- Conduct regular workshops and training sessions in schools and communities.
- Foster youth leadership through our youth clubs, ensuring active engagement in decision-making.
- Create interactive and informative digital content to reach a broader audience.
- Form strategic partnerships with local organizations, health professionals, and educational institutions.
- Collaborate closely with community leaders to foster understanding and reduce stigmas.
- Utilize social enterprise ventures to promote sustainability and address period poverty.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:
1. Youth Empowerment and Outreach: In the next five years, we aim to empower over 5,000 young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to lead dignified and impactful lives.

2. National Integration: We aspire to have our programs integrated into the national educational curriculum, reaching schools and communities across Lesotho, and fostering a culture of open dialogue and reduced stigmatization.

3. Broader Regional and Global Impact: Beyond Lesotho, our goal is to share our successful model and best practices with neighboring regions and global organizations, encouraging the adoption of comprehensive youth development programs.

4. Social Enterprise for Sustainability: We plan to establish self-sustaining social enterprises that provide income-generating opportunities for youth and address period poverty on a larger scale.

5. SDG Alignment: We will continue to align our efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, striving to make substantial contributions to SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 17.

By working toward these impact goals, we aim to create transformational change in the lives of young individuals and communities, catalyzing a positive ripple effect that extends to regional and global levels. 

Our theory of change for the NomaPads Foundation's solution is based on a logical framework that links our activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes for our target population. It illustrates how we expect to have a positive impact on the problem of inadequate sexual and reproductive health education, period poverty, and youth empowerment. Here's a simple explanation of how and why we expect our solution to create an impact:

Activities:
1. Comprehensive Sexual Education: We provide youth with comprehensive sexual education, addressing topics like sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and life skills through workshops, training sessions, and educational materials.

2. Skill-Building Programs: We offer skill-building programs in sewing, pad-making, podcasting, design, art, creativity, fashion, and music to empower youth with practical skills.

3. Youth Leadership: Our youth clubs enable young individuals to take on leadership roles, run their own clubs, and engage in advocacy and community initiatives.

Outputs:
1. Informed and Skilled Youth: As a result of our activities, we have a cohort of informed youth with knowledge of SRHR and menstrual hygiene. They are equipped with practical skills, boosting their self-reliance.

2. Youth Advocates: Our programs produce youth leaders who become advocates for open dialogues and positive change in their communities, challenging taboos and stigmas.

Outcomes:
1. Reduced Stigmas and Taboos: In the short term, our work fosters open dialogues, reducing societal stigmas and taboos surrounding sexual health and menstruation.

2. Improved Well-Being: With accurate information and skills, youth make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, leading to better well-being.

3. Empowered Youth: Empowered youth are better prepared for life, with practical skills and confidence to succeed in various aspects, such as education and employment.

Long-Term Impact:
1. Community-Wide Change: Empowered youth lead to a broader positive impact within their communities, challenging norms and fostering understanding. Reduced stigmas and taboos contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment.

2. Integration into National Curriculum: By collaborating with educational institutions and government bodies, our programs become integrated into national curricula, ensuring a lasting impact and improving the quality of education and youth development.

3. Sustainability and Period Poverty Reduction: Skill-building programs, including social enterprise ventures, create income-generating opportunities for youth and address period poverty.

By providing comprehensive sexual education, practical skills, and fostering youth leadership, we expect to see immediate improvements in knowledge and skills. Over time, these empowered youth become advocates for change within their communities, leading to reduced stigmas, improved well-being, and community-wide impact. Our collaboration with educational institutions and government bodies ensures long-term integration and sustainability, while skill-building programs provide income-generating opportunities. This logical framework links our activities to outcomes and long-term impact, ultimately addressing the critical issues of SRHR, period poverty, and youth empowerment.

1. Governing board: Our board is run by 10 members. 8 are women and girls while 2 are males. 

2. Staff Members: We are currently working with 7 members. 5 are women and girls while 2 are male. 

3. Projects: We have 12 youth leading ITHATE in 4 schools

Total team members: 29

2 years in operation. 

At the Nomapads Foundation, our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is deeply rooted in our mission and values. We are not just an organization that promotes inclusivity; we embody it in every facet of our operations.

Diversity in Leadership:
Our leadership team reflects the rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences that make up the global community we serve. We believe that leadership diversity is a driving force behind innovation and effectiveness. It ensures that our decision-making is informed by a wide range of perspectives, leading to better outcomes.

Goals for Becoming More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive:
We are fully committed to advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts. Our goals in this regard include:

1. Diverse Hiring: We are dedicated to equitable hiring practices, implementing strategies that encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to build a team that mirrors the diversity of the communities we serve.

2. Ongoing Training: We provide regular diversity, equity, and inclusion training to all team members. This training ensures that we are all well-equipped to contribute to an inclusive workplace and that our interactions with the community are respectful and empathetic.

3. Accessibility Initiatives: At the Nomapads Foundation, we take great pride in being an all-inclusive organization. In line with this commitment, we have undertaken initiatives to learn sign language and braille. These steps have not only made our services more accessible but also demonstrate our genuine dedication to inclusivity.

4. Collaboration with Disability Organizations: We actively collaborate with disability organizations to gain deeper insights into issues such as period poverty within their spaces. By working closely with these organizations, we can develop solutions that are more inclusive and responsive to the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Actions Taken:
To achieve our goals for diversity, equity, and inclusivity, we have implemented various actions:

- Implementing a blind recruitment process to eliminate unconscious bias in our hiring practices.
- Establishing employee resource groups focused on different aspects of diversity and inclusion.
- Offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate a variety of needs, ensuring that no one is excluded from participating fully in our organization.

Nomapads Foundation operates with a hybrid business model that focuses on providing value to the populations we serve, which includes both beneficiaries (youth and communities) and key customers (donors, partners, educational institutions, and organizations). Our model centers on delivering social impact while ensuring financial sustainability. Here's a breakdown of our business model:

Beneficiaries:
1. Youth and Communities: Our primary beneficiaries are the youth in Lesotho and the communities in which they live. They benefit from our programs and initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and skill development. 

Key Customers:
1. Donors and Grant-Making Organizations: Donors, including international organizations, foundations, and philanthropic individuals, are crucial customers who provide financial support through grants and donations. They want to fund projects that align with their mission and vision.

2. Government and Educational Institutions: Government bodies and educational institutions are potential customers interested in our services, including training, workshops, and consultancy related to sexual education and youth empowerment. They want to improve the quality of education and youth development in Lesotho and see the value in our expertise.

3. Collaborative Partners: Collaborative partners, such as local NGOs, healthcare providers, and community leaders, are essential customers. They seek to collaborate with us to achieve shared goals related to SRHR and youth development.

Products and Services:
1. Comprehensive Sexual Education: We provide educational resources, workshops, and training sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) to youth and communities. These resources aim to dispel misinformation, reduce stigmas, and foster open dialogues.

2. Menstrual Hygiene Management: We offer programs on menstrual hygiene management, which include providing information, resources, and access to reusable menstrual products. This addresses the critical issue of period poverty and empowers girls and women.

3. Skill-Building Programs: We conduct skill-building programs that empower youth with practical skills such as sewing, pad-making, podcasting, design, art, creativity, fashion, and music. These skills enhance their self-reliance and creative expression.

4. Consultancy and Training Services: We offer consultancy and training services to institutions interested in our expertise in SRHR and youth empowerment. This can include curriculum development, teacher training, and program implementation support.

Delivery Mechanism:
We deliver our products and services through a combination of in-person and virtual methods. Workshops, training sessions, and skill-building programs are conducted on-site at schools, community centers, and our own facilities. We also use online platforms and virtual resources to reach a wider audience and provide information and guidance.

Value Proposition:
- Youth Empowerment: Our services empower youth with knowledge, skills, and resources, enabling them to make informed decisions, achieve self-reliance, and lead healthier lives.

- Community Development: By addressing SRHR issues and fostering open dialogues, we contribute to healthier and more informed communities, reducing stigmas and taboos.

- Donor and Partner Impact: Donors and partners receive the value of social impact and sustainable change in the areas of SRHR and youth development in Lesotho, aligning with their missions and objectives.

- Educational Enhancement: Educational institutions and government bodies benefit from improved educational curricula and youth development, which positively impact the quality of education.

Nomapads Foundation recognizes the importance of financial sustainability to continue our mission of empowering youth and addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Lesotho. Our financial sustainability plan involves a combination of strategies to ensure a stable and diverse revenue stream, reducing reliance on a single source of funding. Here's how we plan to achieve financial sustainability:

1. Grants and Donations:

We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from international organizations, foundations, and philanthropic donors who share our mission and vision. This includes applying for grants from entities like UNESCO, UNFPA, Gates Foundation, and other organizations that support projects related to SRHR and youth empowerment. By diversifying our grant sources, we reduce the risk associated with dependency on a single funder.

2. Fundraising Events:
Organizing fundraising events and campaigns within the local and international communities can generate both financial support and awareness for our cause. We plan to host events, such as charity galas, awareness walks, and online crowdfunding campaigns, to engage our supporters and raise funds.

3. Service Contracts:
Exploring opportunities for service contracts with government bodies, educational institutions, and other organizations is another avenue for generating revenue. For instance, we may offer training and consultancy services related to our expertise in SRHR and youth empowerment. By demonstrating the effectiveness of our programs, we can attract contracts to deliver similar services in collaboration with partners.

4. Selling our Products and Services:
Nomapads Foundation has already initiated skill-building programs for youth, including sewing and pad-making skills. These programs can evolve into income-generating initiatives where products created by youth, such as handmade crafts or reusable menstrual products, can be sold to generate revenue. Additionally, we can offer fee-based training workshops and courses to individuals or groups interested in acquiring the skills we teach.

5. Social Enterprise Ventures:
Exploring social enterprise initiatives that align with our mission is another avenue for financial sustainability. For example, we could establish a social enterprise related to menstrual hygiene products or other products that address SRHR needs. The profits generated from such ventures can be reinvested into our core programs.

6. Collaboration and Partnerships:
Strategic partnerships with local and international organizations can provide financial and in-kind support. By collaborating with organizations that share our goals, we can jointly seek funding opportunities and leverage each other's resources to maximize our impact.

7. Investment Capital:
In the long term, we may explore investment capital from impact investors or venture philanthropy organizations that are aligned with our mission. This could provide the necessary financial support for scaling our initiatives and expanding our reach.