Photo provided.
MARGARET Hirsch has made it her goal to motivate and inspire young, disadvantaged girls throughout the country, to stay in school and achieve their dreams.
When she heard that millions of young South African girls were unable to attend school for one week every month when they had their periods, she made it her goal to step in and help. She bought thousands of rands worth of Girls With Dignity reusable sanitary packs and pads made by KZN Entrepreneur, Sue Barnes to distribute to girls schools around the country.
As well as distributing the packs, she used the opportunity to set the girls a task. They had to write an essay about what they would like to achieve in their lifetime. Margaret gave a cash prize for the best essays at the schools.
One of the essays said, “It was hard when my mother died. Growing up without a mother’s love and care is bad enough, but being abused and then falling pregnant was like a bad dream. I knew I had to rise up against this and look to a bright and better future. Fall today. Rise tomorrow. My future is going to be wonderful. I have mapped it out and I know that I will be successful and I want to thank Mrs Hirsch for helping me to see myself as the person I really want to be in the future!”
Mrs Hirch said, “I have been touched and overwhelmed by the tenacity and the strength of these young South African girls. They are our future and we need to nurture and inspire them to reach their own personal goals and ambitions.”
