Meet Matsurah Nantume

The meaning behind my name

My last name, Nantume, means messenger. When someone calls me Nantume, I feel like I’m being called to serve. I feel ready — like, yes, I’m here.

Growing up and finding my purpose

I grew up in a small village in Uganda with five brothers. As the only girl, I experienced period poverty — not having access to menstrual products. I had to use cloth. If it fell, the shame was unbearable. People would laugh. Some girls missed school. Some made choices they didn’t want to make because they needed money.

At the same time, my family struggled to afford education. During COVID, my brother and I received a full scholarship to study online. No one in our village believed online school was real.

In Grade 10, I chose to focus my school project on period poverty. At first, families didn’t trust me. They would say, “You are poor yourself. How will you help my daughter?” So I started small, under a tree, with a sewing machine and a few girls.

That project became Youngsters Appeal (YSA). Today, we focus on:

• Reusable menstrual products and sewing skills
• Education sponsorship
• Awareness

We have supported hundreds of girls with products, and now we are focusing on supporting girls with full-year education.

When one girl is supported, it’s not just her life that changes. The decisions she makes affect her children and her grandchildren. That is the kind of change I believe in.

My path to Huron

Through connections, speaking about my work and support from my mentor, I received support to attend Ridley College in Ontario for Grades 11 and 12. It was my first time flying and leaving independently.

At Ridley, I learned about Huron’s mission of leading with heart. It aligned with what I believe in. After visiting campus and speaking with faculty, I knew I wanted to continue growing here — both in my education and in my work.

My life at Huron

I’m involved as an Equity Commissioner and Residence Representative. I’ve hosted awareness booths and worked with the students’ council to share the work of Youngsters Appeal.

During my first term, I lost my mother. It was a very hard time. But continuing to work on the organization gave me strength. Every time I talk about it, I feel happy. It reminds me why I keep going.

When I sit in class, I don’t see only myself. I think about the girls back home who are not here.

What success means to me

We don’t want to just give one product and stop there. We want something lasting.

When girls are in school, they can make informed decisions about their lives. That changes things over time — not immediately, but step by step. We keep reminding them that they are part of their community and that they can also become changemakers in their own way.

My plans for the future

I plan to complete my degree while continuing to grow Youngsters Appeal. I hope to speak more about period poverty and the deeper issues connected to it — gender equality, education and human rights.

Right now, we can only support one girl at a time financially. My goal is to grow that number every year.

My advice for new students

Put yourself out there. You don’t need a dramatic story to do something meaningful. Start from your class. Join something. If you see something that needs to change, begin there.

There is no “perfect time.” Every time is the right time to begin.

Something personal about me

I grew up as the only girl in my family. My brothers have always stood behind me. My father raised me to be strong and independent.

Wherever I am, I’m always thinking about what more can be done and where else I can grow.