CARING and supporting young girls after hearing about how they often miss school because of being unable to afford sanitary wear, 13-year-old Izah Roux, began his quest to ensure that no girl misses school.
After collecting 500 packs of sanitary pads to donate, Roux pledged 10 packs of sanitary pads for every goal scored during a recent national water polo tournament he competed in, and garnered the support of Engen and Caring4Girls to match his contribution.
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Engen, a long-standing supporter of the Imbumba Foundation’s Caring4Girls feminine hygiene initiative, were inspired by the young goalie’s actions, pledging to match what he raised, as well as contribute a year’s supply of sanitary pads towards his initiative.
On a mission to make a difference, Roux said after recently learning about puberty at school, he realised that several of his female friends were forced to miss school days during their monthly menstrual cycles.
A boy with an inquiring mind, he confesses to having a ton of questions for his mom.
“I don’t like staying at home for anything and knew I needed to do something to help other children. I dream about changing the world, so I believe in showing people kindness and I try to understand other people’s problems. After chatting to my mother, my brother, Akani, and I held a sanitary drive to collect pads for girls. We managed to collect 500 packs of pads, but I knew I wanted to do even more,” said Roux.
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As a talented sportsman and goalie on his school water polo team, Izah sensed an opportunity to raise more donations.
“With the 37th national South African College High School (SACS) water polo tournament in October, I pledged 10 packs of sanitary pads for every goal I saved during the tournament,” he said.
By the end of the tournament, Roux saved 48 goals.
Engen’s general manager of corporate strategy and communications, Khalid Latiff, the company was deeply moved to hear about Roux’s pledge. “By advocating for girls in this way, Roux is truly being the change he wants to see in the world,” said Latiff.
Inspired to help, Engen partnered with Caring4Girls and donated a one-year’s supply of sanitary pads to 268 grade 4 to 7 learners.
“As Engen, we are humbled to play a small role supporting Roux’s initiative. As a company, we believe in the power of education to uplift marginalised sections of our society because a country that is educated, is a country that will prosper.
Over the past four years Engen has pledged R3.5 million to Caring4Girls, with approximately 24 065 female learners receiving support to date, across all nine South African provinces. Caring4Girls is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education.
The programme focuses on education and training on puberty and menstrual hygiene management, and includes the safe and environmentally responsible handling, usage and disposal of sanitary towels.
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