Electrical Engineering student launches sanitary pad initiative at Umfolozi TVET College
Supporting her fellow students with dignity.
An inspiring young woman at Umfolozi TVET College in Mandeni is making a significant difference in the lives of her fellow students.
Asande Mchunu, a 24-year-old electrical engineering student in her second year, has launched a heartfelt initiative to support her peers with sanitary pads.
Mchunu’s journey began when she found herself struggling to meet her own basic needs during her first year, while waiting for an NSFAS bursary.
“There are many young women like me who come from financially unstable homes. They come to campus with no money for accommodation or food, relying on each other to get by. But when it’s that time of the month and you have no money, what do you do? I was fortunate to have people, like my high school teacher, who helped me. But what about those who have no one to turn to?”
Motivated by this question, Mchunu started a programme called The Comfort Cycle in April. With just R100, she bought sanitary pads and began asking for donations.
The response was overwhelming and she soon collected nearly 80 packets.
These pads are now available at the student support building on her campus, where students can discreetly receive them from the student liaison officer.
“We can’t give a whole packet to one person, so we distribute one pad per day, or sometimes two or three, depending on the student’s needs. If we receive more donations, we’ll give more and hopefully expand the programme to other campuses and colleges,” said Mchunu.
Beyond addressing the immediate need for sanitary pads, Asande’s programme also aims to protect young girls from exploitation by men who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability.
“I wish men could understand that we do not have business transactions between our legs. It’s painful to see financially stable men exploiting desperate girls, knowing they have no one else to turn to. It’s truly heart breaking,” she said.
To support The Comfort Cycle you can contact Mchunu at nkanyeziasande@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 073 510 6955.
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