Tsakani – The Grace and Glory Foundation, a youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting period poverty and promoting menstrual health education, is making a meaningful impact in schools across Tsakani.

Founded last June by Tsakani resident Lebogang Ayanda Nkosi (19), the organisation provides sanitary products and menstrual health education to young girls from vulnerable backgrounds.

The foundation was established after Nkosi became aware of the challenges many girls face due to a lack of access to sanitary products.

“I often heard stories and experiences of girls who went without sanitary products, which resulted in them missing school.

“At the time, I was in Grade 11 and although I was a bit immature, I knew it was more than just an idea,” she said.

Through her work in local communities, Nkosi has observed that many young girls lack both access to sanitary products and knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene.

She shared that a lot of young girls from vulnerable homes have no proper access to sanitary products and hygiene.

She added that many people do not know how to use sanitary products properly, which makes the challenge even greater. The organisation currently runs pad drives at schools in Tsakani and combines the distribution of sanitary products with educational sessions on menstrual health and hygiene.

It also collaborates with nurses from local clinics who help educate learners about menstruation and personal hygiene.

“We not only provide sanitary products but also menstrual hygiene and health education.

“We have demonstrations on how to properly wear and dispose of a pad, how long it is safe to wear a pad before changing, quizzes and fun facts where beneficiaries can participate, making it an engaging drive,” said Nkosi.

Since its launch, Grace and Glory Foundation has hosted two drives focusing mainly on Grade 8 learners. The first drive took place at Reshogofaditswe Secondary School last August.

“The teachers highlighted how much the service was appreciated because there are so many young girls who go without. The girls were grateful for both the products and the education we provided,” she explained.

Nkosi believes that access to sanitary products can significantly impact a girl’s education and self-esteem.

ALSO READ: March and March protests reach Springs and Kwa-Thema as residents demand action on illegal immigration

The foundation currently stays in contact with several beneficiaries, providing support and assistance where possible.

Behind the organisation is Nkosi, who was born and raised in Tsakane’s Rockville section by her mother. She said growing up in a relatively privileged household inspired her desire to help those less fortunate.

“It has always been in my heart to give to the most vulnerable and serve them with compassion and utmost respect.

“I started this NPO to give back and serve those in need, striving to be their big sister, their friend and a safe space altogether. The goal is simple; no girl should miss class or lose confidence because of her period,” she said.

Like many community organisations, Grace and Glory Foundation has faced challenges, particularly funding. The organisation is currently self-funded, making it difficult to host monthly pad drives.

“By the grace of the Lord, I have been blessed with a mother who sponsors my drives and her colleagues have been donating whatever amount of pads they can, which has helped hugely,” said Nkosi.

Balancing her studies, church commitments and the demands of running an NPO has also been challenging. Nkosi is a full-time student and serves at church, where faith plays a central role in both her life and the foundation’s work.

“I also do not have a fixed team, but my mother and friends have been more than happy to support me in this journey.”

Looking to the future, the organisation hopes to expand its work beyond menstrual health initiatives to include food drives, clothing drives, outreach programmes and monthly soup kitchens for homeless community members.

“The goal is to alleviate the community’s problems in every way we can. We believe we can do it all in due time,” said Nkosi.

She also encouraged other young people with ideas for community development to take the first step.

Community members who would like to support the foundation can contact the organisation through its Instagram pages @_graceand.gloryy and @leboo.nkosi or email [email protected]

Donations of sanitary products and financial contributions are welcome.