It is estimated that some girls from marginalised backgrounds miss up to 50 school days per annum because of their menstrual cycles and lack of access to sanitary towels.
In a bid to respond to this challenge, Vodacom together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, launched the Caring for Girls 947 Mountain Bike Challenge in Houghton on 19 October. The challenge is scheduled to take place at Commercial Park, Riversands in Fourways on 13 November.
The challenge is a drive by Vodacom employees to ride for a good cause and collect sanitary pads for underprivileged girls so they do not miss out on school. As part of the sanitary drive, members of the public can drop off sanitary towels at Vodacom offices and the Nelson Mandela Foundation until 11 November.
Fifty Vodacom employees will be wearing Caring for Girls cycling gear during the race to help create awareness for the cause.
Vodacom Foundation has also opened an SMS donation line to help with raising funds. The SMS donation line will be open to all customers and every rider has their own SMS number. Customers will be able to donate R30 by sending an SMS.
“Our technology offers the perfect platform for SMS fundraising and we hope to raise as much as we possibly can for this campaign. As a woman leader I am drawn to the initiative, as it supports the dignity of young girls as they strive to gain an education,” said chief executive officer for Vodacom Corporate Affairs, Takalani Netshitenzhe.
“The purpose of our work through the Vodacom Foundation is to connect for good, and we do this through our programmes in education, health, and security. We use technology to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of our country, and in the process help improve the quality of life of ordinary people.”
Yase Godlo, manager of Mandela Day, said the ride for the girl child was proof that selfless service contributed to human dignity.
Details: SMS to 42513.
