480 dignity packs donated in Pimville
"We demand that sanitary pads become free just as condoms are free and are available in every public toilet"- Matshidiso Mfikoe
480 dignity packs were donated to girls aged between 11 and 17 in Pimville. The event was held at the Crystal Fountain Spiritual Centre on Saturday and was in partnership with Salaamedia, the Department of Social Development, the City of Johannesburg (COJ), and Frimax.
In separate groups and with covid protocols observed, the girls were each given snacks and dignity packs. Speaking at the handover, Crystal Fountain’s Project Manager, Muzie Kheswa said girls were vulnerable members of society and it was important to support them.
“We know that many young girls come from underprivileged backgrounds, you add the impact of covid then you see the need to support them. The project has already been working with young girls where we distribute dignity packs with help from the department of social development, but we’ve never done it on this scale and that’s a credit to Salaamedia who came on board, so we’d like to say a big thank you.”
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Crystal Fountain is supported by the Department of Social Development. The department’s Girl Child Ambassador and Case Manager for the center, Minah Basani-Mkhavele called on sponsors and organisations to get involved.
“The number of girls who came out to receive the dignity packs tells us that we have a long way to go. We still need to do a lot more than what we have done. Many girls couldn’t even make it here today and this is just Pimville, how many in Soweto? How many in the entire province? So we really need more and still call on sponsors to get on board with us and support,” she said.
Salaamedia’s COO, Ponty Moletsane added on Mkhavele’s words.
“We were invited by Crystal Fountain and after looking at their girl child project, we decided that it was important to contribute, the future of the girl child, especially in this country is very important. I’d like to implore more companies and corporations to join in,” said Moletsane.
Lucy Mashatola, a parent to two girls who attended the event applauded the initiative.
“As parents and members of the community, these are the projects we need to support. Beyond the donation, Crystal donation has taken good care of our kids with the many activities they offer. As a parent I’m very happy she said.”
The event also received support from COJ’s MMC for Development Planning, Thapelo Amad, and COJ’s Chairperson for Environment and Infrastructure, Matshidiso Mfikoe, who both attended and shared words of encouragement with the young girls at the event. Girls were also educated on good hygiene habits and the importance of choosing careers wisely.
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