Over 800 Grade 6 and 7 female students across three schools have been the beneficiaries of a generous donation comprising 2,600 packs of sanitary pads. The gesture is aimed at supporting these young learners ensuring that girls can continue their education without interruption.
Such initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing menstrual health challenges faced by young girls, fostering a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.
The handover ceremony was held at Rebontsheng Primary School a beneficiary of the Tiger Brands Foundation national school breakfast programme, and one of the three beneficiary schools that will receive sanitary pads.
Learners from Rondebult Primary School and Phumula Primary School will also receive sanitary pads collected during a Tiger Bands employee volunteerism collection drive.
The handover was attended by star players from Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ladies Squad who offered the girls words of encouragement.
According to the most recent research released by the South African Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, at least seven million girls are absent an average of 1.6 and 2.1 days every month, missing at least 25% of the learning year, because they are unable to afford sanitary pads.
“Tiger Brands is focused on uplifting societies most vulnerable, be it in supporting food security as South Africa’s largest food producer or giving young girls their dignity and confidence back during an important time of their lives and ensuring they are not robbed of their education.
“Our adolescent girls should know they are cared for and supported,” says Preeya Naidu, Manager of Socio-Economic Development, Tiger Brands.
Tiger Brands expects to run the collection drive regularly to ensure a sustained supply of sanitary pads to schools and encourages others to join the cause to bring dignity back to girls.