Local pupils handed sanitary towels
GA MALEKANE
The days of local pupils missing classes due to lack of adequate menstrual hygiene support are a thing of the past.
Pupils in the Ngwaabe circuit were handed sanitary towels by Glencore Alloys in partnership with the Imbumba Foundation.
The sanitary towels drive initiative was launched on 26 August at Gobetse Secondary at Ga Malekane.
“According to statistics, a South African girl child misses up to 50 days of school in a year due to the lack of adequate menstrual hygiene support, and Glencore’ partnership with Imbumba Foundation aims to address this issue.
“Through this partnership we are proud to know that none of the girls in the schools within our communities will have to miss even a day of school because they don’t have menstrual towels,” said Conroy van der Westhuizen, Glencore’s chief community and social responsibility officer.
The mining company said it will continue with the drive at other schools in and around Steelpoort.
Van der Westhuizen said that the partnership between Glencore and Imbumba was in line with Glencore’s commitment to progress together with communities.
Richard Mabaso from Imbuba said they handed more than 6 packs of sanitary towels to the local girls. He thanked Glencore for the support in changing the lives of the girls.
“Our Caring 4 girls initiative in partnership with Glencore has empowered over 1 million girl children across South Africa. The initiative has been donating to the girls since 2012.”
Among the dignitaries at the event included the management from Glencore, circuit managers and principals from schools in the Ngwaabe circuit. Clement Maosa, an actor from popular soapie Skeem Saam also graced the event. He was among the guests that encouraged the pupils on the day.
“With the support of companies such as Glencore and Imbumba you can achieve your goals. You can be anything you want to be, a doctor, engineer or even a lawyer. It doesn’t matter if you come from deep rural areas of Tubatse. I am also from a disadvantaged family in Bochum, but here I am, am a successful actor. Study hard and you will achieve your dreams,”said Maosa.
