Learners at Emshukantambo Secondary in Pimville were treated to a career and mentorship session on Tuesday. The session was led by the founder of Little Girl Arise and Miss & Mrs. Township South Africa, Koketso Makua, with reigning Mrs. Township South Africa, Sindisiwe Chauke.
Learners were taught the importance of education, given tips on navigating the teenage years as well as advice on making well-informed career choices.
Addressing learners on the day, Makua said teenagers faced many challenges during their teenage years and it was important to provide them with a safe space.
“Young girls, especially around these age groups struggle with having a safe space and that’s what we’ve tried to provide. We share our own stories and hope that they can relate because there is power in sharing stories and it lets a girl know “I am not abnormal to have had this happened to me and I can share it,’ so it was very important to have these conversations,” she said.
[also read] – Emshukantambo’s matric class of 2020 shines amongst Pimville schools
Tinyiko Mkhatshwa, a Grade 10 learner who attended the mentorship talk, said she learned the importance of positive self-esteem.
“I learned that self-esteem is important, even from a young age. Also that if something does not go according to your plan in life, you should never give up,” the 15-year-old said.
In addition to the mentorship session, 100 dignity packs were handed over to the learners by 2021 Miss Township South Africa Semi-finalists, Goitsimang Eland, and Khanyisile Dakile who both raised funds to purchase the packs.
A 2018 study by Stellenbosch University’s Law Clinic revealed that 30% of South African learners miss school during their menstruation period.
Eland, a former learner herself at the school, said she hoped the initiative would help end ‘period poverty.
“I believe providing each girl with at least a pack will go some way in helping them get a better education, no child should be missing school due to periods but we know that many do. We also hope this will help in the fight against period poverty and give girls a right to dignity,” she said. The initiative also received support from Miss Unity 2021 finalist, Buhle Nkabinde.
Elsewhere, the first sanitary pad vending machine on the African continent was launched at the School of Hope in Cape Town on Tuesday.
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