MEC hands dignity packs to Daveyton learners
The dignity packs included items that, if not owned, often stood in the way of a learner’s full participation in education.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko urged young girls to rise above social challenges and become future leaders during a visit to Davey Secondary School in Daveyton.
The visit formed part of the Orange Day Campaign, which raises awareness about GBV, bullying, gangsterism and substance abuse.
Mazibuko also handed 250 dignity packs to female learners to restore their confidence and ensure they attend school with dignity.
The dignity packs included sanitary towels, roll-on, petroleum jelly, bar soap, body lotion, toilet paper, and toothpaste, essentials that often hinder learners’ full participation in education.
“As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, it is our duty to ensure that no girl misses school because of a lack of sanitary towels. It is also our responsibility to ensure that no learner misses class because of a lack of school uniform,” said MEC Mazibuko.
She emphasised the importance of Orange Day, observed every month on the 25th, which encourages communities worldwide to wear orange and act against violence targeting women and girls.
“We visited Davey Secondary School because this township records many cases of abuse. We wanted to encourage learners with knowledge and resources so that they grow up as responsible citizens,” she added.
The campaign also highlighted the growing concern of bullying in schools.
Social work manager Tozama Tshabane said bullying in schools was out of control, “As the department, we have school social workers who support learners who might be victims of bullying. We call on every learner to work with us in fighting this scourge and to use social media responsibly,” said Tshabane.
Mazibuko also did door-to-door visits in the Phumula informal settlement, educating residents about preventing GBV against women and children, and informing them where to find help should the need arise.
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