Girls at Witkoppen Primary School received a pack of love on 19 April thanks to the Douglasdale community.
The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Douglasdale police put together 100 bags for 100 learners at Witkoppen Primary School, containing a supply of sanitary pads, a face cloth, soap and deodorant for the month.
Learners gathered in the school’s library with a short prayer. Sergeant Nicholus Mokwena of Douglasdale police spoke to the girls about bullying, inspired by recent events on social media.
Khomotso Mooko, a representative from RedScreen, talked to the young girls about the importance of good personal hygiene.
She also gave a healthy dose of inspiration. “We know the challenges girl children go through, so we wanted to help eliminate some of those challenges they have to deal with. We want to see them, as young leaders thrive in everything they do and put their mind to,” she said.
“Knowing that we love being clean as young women, we wanted to make sure that we assist the learners and that they won’t have to worry about it this month.”
HR director at RedScreen, Gillian Young, added that the organisation had been involved with the Fourways community, including Douglasdale, for over 25 years and had reached out to the CPF after hearing of their initiative to donate the toiletries to the school. She mentioned that the organisation ‘has been helping out where they can with drives done in the community and this was no exception.
Douglasdale CPF and police were also present to help distribute the sanitary products. CPF chairperson, Lizzy Mabena said there is a continued issue of young girls in the country missing school because of their period.
“I am hoping we were able to inspire a change of this challenge and ensure that girls attending the Witkoppen school can continue with their schooling career assured of their dignity as they have received sanitary pads.”
School principal, Philemon Mashimbyi, was extremely grateful for the donation. “We really want to say thank you to everyone for what they have done today. We have a number of learners who are in need of sanitary towels,” he said.
“Time and again, staff members come to me with the concern of learners not having sanitary towels. These donations honestly came at the right time and we are incredibly grateful for all the sponsors today.”
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