Over 2 000 sanitary pads, food parcels donated to Tembisa school

'We as a school see this as a restoration of dignity to the recipients as well as the community at large'

July 30, 2019

Obedience Mkhabela 2 minutes read

Inqayizivele High School Grade 12 learners await to receive the donation of sanitary pads by the City of Ekurhuleni and AJP Group.

The City of Ekurhuleni and the AJP Group donated over 2 000 sanitary pads and food parcels and two trees to Ingqayizivele High School, Tembisa, to celebrate Mandela Month on July 26.

Ekurhuleni communications and brand management /citizen relations Ouma Dineo Monareng said with their business partners operating in Ekurhuleni they are committed to providing help to schools in the area.

“We have come to donate 2 000 sanitary pads in the north region/district at Ingqayizivele High. Thanks to the AJP Group because they answered our call when we asked them to come on board, and so they donated more than we had expected of them,” explains Monareng.

John Philippou, director of the group, said they were committed to helping the youth of the country.

“It is the first time we are doing a joint venture with the City of Ekurhuleni to a school in Tembisa. We have a strong relationship with schools to help in school uniforms, sports programmes and cultural activities.

Kefuoe Matima (left) and Oratile Khunou, both of Ingqayizivele High School, thanked the stakeholders for their donation of sanitary pads.

“We believe that if we can produce a community of educated learners, we can have people take part in politics, industrial departments and so forth,” added Philippou.

Educator at the school Thembalihle Skonje said they were honoured by the spirit of ubuntu (humanness) shown by the company.

“We as a school see this as a restoration of dignity to the recipients as well as the community at large. The recipients will no longer be subjected to infections that could emanate from lack of sanitary towels.

“We hope Tata’s (Mandela) seed has been planted and the germination can only bring more positive news as we strengthen this relation going forth. The school is humbled by the gesture and commitment shown by the AJP Group to fund the awarding of badges for the top 10 achievers for each grade at the school.

“This will not only be awarded to the top achievers in academics, but will extend to other talents such as learners who are gifted in music, sports as well as community building. This will take our school to greater heights not only as a good performing school, but it will also enhance its stature as well.

“We hope and pray this will inspire greater things to be harvested in this engagement and collaboration between Ingqayizivele High School and AJP Group in conjunction with the local authority, Ekurhuleni,” said Skonje.

The school workers plants a tree donated by the City of Ekurhuleni to the school.

Member of mayoral committee (MMC) of Corporate Shared Services Dora Mlambo said the city, by making a donation, was pledging their commitment of keeping a girl child at school.

“This initiative would have not been possible without our amazing partners, and we would like to thank them,” said Mlambo.

Mlambo also wished learners well on the eve of their preliminary exams.

Representing the learners, Kefuoe Matima said they wished to express their gratitude to the stakeholders who were involved in helping to restore their dignity.

“This closes the gap that our parents cannot close due to various reasons,” said Matima.

Another learner, Oratile Khunou, added that they send their humble gratitude to all stakeholders for choosing their school, and of making a difference in townships schools.

“In some cases you might find yourself in a desperate need of sanitary pad, but the learners in class do not sympathise with you because they assume you must always have one with you, and that is not always the case,” added Khanou.