Lukhanyo Foundation gifts sanitary pads to 300 learners in Mbombela

The Masterclass Programme for Girls was hosted at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, September 30.

Over 300 girls from various schools in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality attended the event and each received 10 boxes of sanitary pads from the Lukhanyo Girls Foundation.

The foundation hosted the programme in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education. The founder of the organisation, Gugu Nyarenda, said the pads, called Intombazane, which loosely translates to ‘a girl’ – are intended to provide dignity for girls living in underprivileged communities.

“We gave them 10 boxes each, which are expected to last for 10 months. We do not want the girls to worry when their period comes. Our hope is that they focus on school and empowering themselves,” she said.

During the programme, the girls were encouraged and motivated by various speakers.

Nyarenda explained that the organisation will be visiting various districts to support as many girls as possible. She urged anyone who is willing to keep a girl child in school, to assist the organisation in obtaining more sanitary products.

MEC for education Lindi Masina said the dignity packs are a gesture aimed at restoring their confidence, dignity and self-worth.

“Today we are planting seeds of hope, resilience and determination in the lives of our young girls. In this room sits the future of Mpumalanga – teachers, doctors, innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and community builders,” she said.

Masina emphasised the urgent need to empower girls in order to build a prosperous society and applauded the initiative.