Community unite to help curb absenteeism of girls in school
Tsakane – Absenteeism of girls during their menstrual cycles is a huge problem among many schoolgirls in impoverished communities.
Staff members at the Tsakane Extension Eight Secondary School were, therefore, extremely grateful when generous donors dug deep into their pockets to donate much-needed sanitary towels for their girls.
Read: Women’s Month: Lack of sanitary pads keeps girls out of school
School principal Thandi Njoli shares that their school is situated in an RDP area and as a result, some of their children are from child-headed families or their parents are out of work, while others are being raised by their grandparents.
This means that sanitary towels are a luxury.
“Absenteeism of girls is currently their biggest challenge as a school.
“And this is because most of these learners lack the funds to buy sanitary towels for themselves during this time.
Read: Learners get sanitary towel and toiletry donation
“This affects the girl child since it means they miss out on school for about three days in a month, increasing their chances of failure,” she says.
But Njoli is thankful. She says one day, consumed with worry, she had a conversation with her daughter, Nkanyezi, about the situation they were facing as teachers.
And without saying a word, the principal’s daughter went to friends, colleagues and churches to start collecting sanitary towels for the learners.
“Thank you so much to all these generous donors who come from as far as Johannesburg.
“We truly appreciate the help as the supply they have given us will last at least until January.
“If any local businesses or community members can come and assist further, they should please come forward, so that together we can curb the problem of absenteeism of young girls due to lack of sanitary towels,” emphasises Njoli.
For any information or to help, contact the school on 010 010 0188 or 082 600 7808.
