Foundation donates sanitary towels to Thembisa Secondary School

Botshelo Botjha Foundation held a sanitary pad drive on September 13 to donate to Thembisa Secondary School’s female learners.

More than 500 pads were collected for distribution to learners at the school.

Due to persistent taboos and stigma, a lack of access to menstrual products and proper sanitation, as well as a lack of education on managing their menstrual cycle, a natural occurrence has turned into a nightmare for thousands of young women in the community.

According to the foundation’s founder, Lebo Ntsimane, young girls in the community who are unable to afford feminine hygiene products must rely on rags, socks and even notebook paper.

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They also lack access to safe drinking water and private toilet facilities.

As a result, they feel shame and embarrassment when they menstruate and lack the resources to manage their menstruation properly.

Some young girls miss school because they are on their periods, affecting their right to education.

“The foundation is based on Christian principles of love and grace. Our mission is to help people rediscover their identity and purpose. We achieve this by supporting education and charitable mission work.

“We often donate clothing, stationery and toiletries to several charities, including orphanages, community centres, schools and even feed the homeless. At Thembisa High School, we are now operating a mentorship programme in which we are preparing young men in Grade 11 to become community leaders,” said Lebo.

“We wish to distribute free sanitary towels to girls and we’ve received a donation of 160 reusable sanitary towels that may be used for three years. This will undoubtedly assist young girls whose parents are unable to afford sanitary towels as a result of job losses during the pandemic.”

For more information, contact the foundation on 065 836 1698 / 071 or email info@botshelobotjha.org

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