The lack of access to sanitary towels for financially disadvantaged school girls touched the hearts of Dora Rapai and Heidi Banks.
The pair decided to step up and assist since it was estimated that three out of 10 girls in South Africa miss school during their periods each month, resulting in them missing out on educational opportunities.
Both touched by this, they decided to start the Vestige Foundation in 2022. The foundation does not only focus on pad drives, but it also focuses on social issues that young children face in today’s society.
They offer mentorship in education, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Aids, and tackling life challenges. It is more of a sisterhood and through that, they continue to get calls from different communities and schools around Gauteng.
On their latest drive on April 6, Dora and Heidi managed to donate 25 packets of sanitary towels to the underprivileged girls and women living in the Jerusalema informal settlement in Florida. This drive happens every three months.
Dora says the donation of sanitary towels is about restoring the dignity of young girls.
“We have managed to assist more than 1 000 girls throughout Gauteng. We heard girls were using their brothers’ old T-shirts when they menstruate. Even during the three months, we still get calls to come and assist,” said Dora.
Guest speaker and the owner of Legends Barber, Sheldon Tatcheu, shared his journey in business and gave a heartwarming message to the girls.
“We try to get guest speakers who are successful in certain fields so that they can motivate our girls about the importance of getting an education and having a vision in life,” said Heidi.
The two activists hope to see the foundation grow and spread throughout South Africa so that all girls can have sanitary products when they need them. They wish to attract sponsors so that this project can be successful. Sponsors mainly who can assist with transport. Guest speakers who wish to donate and become part of the programme can contact Dora on 084 823 7887 or 081 549 6933.
The Roodepoort Record spoke to some of the girls and women about what they wish to receive in the future besides sanitary towels.
Rosemary Ndlovu said she appreciates the sanitary towels but in the future, ‘would like to get more mentorship and coaching when it comes furthering studies after matric’.
Nthabiseng Rampai said, “I would appreciate donations of shoes and clothes so that I can have new things to wear and feel confident in.”
Kamohelo Ramasedi said she loves reading and exploring new worlds through books.
“I would be so grateful in the future to receive books to feed my curiosity and imagination.”
Zodwa Ramasedi said, “Most of the girls struggle with undergarments, stationery and school uniforms and it would be great to have those in my community.”
