The Ogle Foundation handed out 360 packs of sanitary towels to grade 4–7 learners at Lantern School on September 13 as part of its mandate to empower the girl-child to stay in school.
Patty Ogle, the founder of the Ogle Foundation (OF), said that as someone who grew up around somewhat impoverished communities, it is vital for organisations to always lend a helping hand to those in need, especially to future leaders.
“There are 160 girls each who received two packs of eight sanitary pads, and we have left some at the school for emergencies,” Patty said and mentioned the Grind Foundation, with which OF has worked for the last four years, sponsored them with sanitary towels.
The female learners were very happy to have received these.
The Record spoke to some of the recipients and while some are thrilled about receiving these packages citing that they must use old rags of clothing – even newspaper wrapping just to be at school during menstruation, others said that they know of someone who needs it and would therefore give it them.
“I feel thankful for what we have received here today, and I would like to give it to someone I know of who needs it,” Kearabetswe Ramosela, a Grade Five learner said.
“We need more of these initiatives because I know a lot of people who struggle with pads, but I would share these packages between myself and my mother,” Chardene Hartzer, a Grade Six learner said.
The NPO also calls on the community to donate any brand of sanitary towels by contacting Patty on 076 313 2247 to further its agenda of fostering a comfortable learning culture during ‘that time of the month’.
