Local NPO assists school girls with sanitary pads
Sometimes the bubbliest and happiest people are the ones affected by depression in society.
During their mental health campaign, the North Riding-based non-profit organisation (NPO) Khula Let’s Grow Together collected and distributed 572 sanitary pads between two Randburg schools.
They collaborated with Bosadibaka and Girl Guide South Africa to raise awareness and donate sanitary pads at Far North Secondary School in Cosmo City and Kwena Molapo Secondary School in Lanseria.
Project coordinator at Khula Faith Sibande said they recognised a lack of access to sanitary pads for girls, especially in poor communities.
“Some of the girls use unhygienic alternatives to sanitary pads such as newspapers or toilet paper, which put them at a huge risk of infection. Providing menstrual products, including sanitary pads, plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty.”
She said she is thrilled that the campaign was a success and they intend to do a Sanitary Pads Drive every year and assist learners to understand the importance of keeping excellent mental health.
Mental health plays an important role in general well-being. Half of the people who are depressed walk around not knowing they are depressed.
“The campaign is important – especially now that exams are approaching – because it affects the learners’ well-being, and ability to learn. We taught learners how to manage stress, especially during exams, build resilience and develop healthy coping skills. We are an advocacy programme designed to enhance young minds and provide them with relevant information that will assist them in navigating their growth.”
The NPO aims to assist young people with challenges they come across and help them navigate through the process of growing up.
“We also offer lots of mentoring and guidance to young people, so they are able to understand themselves, increase confidence and learn needed skills in life. The campaign promotes healthy, non-discriminatory environment and helps people to manage their mental health to make living easier.”
Contact Khula on Facebook @Khula Let’s Grow Together; www.khulalgt.co.za; 010 745 4003/ 078 086 5095.
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