WATCH: Child Welfare donates sanitary pads to Mehlareng girls in Tembisa

“Viva girls and viva education!” exclaimed Makha Thusi, director of Child Welfare Kempton Park, to 20 female learners from Mehlareng Combined Primary School in Tembisa, Kempton Express reports. “Among you I see lawyers, doctors and teachers. I don’t want you missing school because you don’t have sanitary pads.”

The Grade 6 and 7 learners received bright coloured bags with the word ‘African’ written on it last week. Inside, the smiling learners saw water bottles, roll-on, lotions and sanitary pads.

READ MORE: African tour operator supports campaign to provide sanitary towels to school girls

According to principal Nombini Kuugwayo, many girls don’t attend school during their menstruation period each month, as they cannot afford these necessities. With the average girl starting her period as early as Grade Four, there are about 108 female learners at Mehlareng who may be facing this reality.

“This donation will contribute to bettering the learners’ lives,” said Kuugwayo. “Sanitary pads make the girls feel free – especially, free to learn.”

She thanked child welfare for their support and said she hoped their relationship with the school would continue.

Child Welfare decided to make the donation after they were approached by a Glen Marais resident who read about the organisation in Kempton Express.

“We hope this gift will promote good hygiene, which in turn will promote a bright child and a bright mind,” said Thusi. “We want to teach them that they can be uplifted from the shackles they originate from.”

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/african-tour-operator-supports-campaign-to-provide-sanitary-towels-to-school-girls/

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