Her past inspires her to empower other young women in school
"It does not matter where one comes from; it depends on yourself to develop a positive esteem."
Charmaine Laya Maoko, of the Adopt a Girl Child project, recently visited her alma mater, Victory Park School in Hillsview, and donated gift packs containing sanitary pads, body lotion, soap and toothpaste to the older girls at the school.
She gave them a talk on hygiene and menstruation, as well as an inspirational message. “I grew up in a shack myself and want to convey the message that it does not matter where one comes from; it depends on yourself to develop a positive esteem,” Maoko said.
The project was founded by her sister, Lucia Laya Parkins, to motivate young girls in and around her community. She has already sponsored several youth programmes for which she collects and donates sanitary items. “These are bare essentials needed in underprivileged young girls’ lives. Feeling more comfortable at school during monthly phases allows them to be more focused on their education.
“Raising funds is not the only way to help our community. By collecting essentials and redistributing it, it has made a big impact on the minds of these young girls, allowing them to build confidence in themselves,” she said.
People that would like to contribute can send a Whatsapp message to 083-346-0879.
