BOPHELONG – Sapphire Secondary School was the lucky recipient of a major donation from Liberty, a Standard Bank Group that has the whole town talking! Both female and male learners were showered with dignitary packs
The donation was made possible by a fellow teacher at the school, who wrote to the company seeking assistance for their struggling learners.
Two years ago, the teacher boldly reached out to the company asking them to include Sapphire Secondary in their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects. Liberty responded three months ago with a big “YES!” and the rest is history.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, beaming with pride, Monatesi said “Organizing this event wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it.”
“Most of our learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds, so this assistance is like a lifeline,” she said.
On Thursday, August 22, over 1,200 learners received their hygiene packs, and more than 600 girls now have a year’s supply of sanitary towels.
The packs included toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other must-have basics – all designed to give these young learners a fresh start with confidence.
Liberty’s Senior Specialist of Corporate Social Investment, Arthur Moeletsane said he couldn’t have been prouder.
“This is about restoring dignity and ensuring girls don’t miss school due to a lack of sanitary products,” he said.
As a cherry on top, the event wasn’t just a giveaway, it was also an education session with health specialists giving talks on hygiene.
Female learners were treated to lectures on menstrual health giving them the knowledge they need to manage their health with dignity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Keletso Matona (18), a grade 11 pupil at the school said the initiative is a game-changer.
“This is a beautiful effort that has given many girls the confidence they lacked,” she said.
Tumelo Makubo (16), another Grade 11 pupil said “This event meant a lot to us. We learned valuable lessons that we may have missed before.”
