For the past five years, hundreds of girls at schools in Bethal and eMzinoni have been able to attend class every day of the month without fear or shame.

This month, the Indawo Yosizo Foundation celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Sanitary Pad Drive.

This community-led initiative has distributed thousands of sanitary pads to learners across the area.

What began in 2020 as a small response to learners missing school during menstruation has grown into one of eMzinoni’s most consistent community support programmes.

Volunteers, local businesses and residents have worked together to ensure that period poverty does not stand in the way of education.

“Before this drive, many girls would stay home for three to five days every month. Now they know someone has their back. Education can’t wait for a cycle to end,” said Zanele Gwebu, founder of the Indawo Yosizo Foundation.

The anniversary event was hosted at Langelihle Primary School, Sakhisizwe Primary School, Ikhethelo Secondary School, AD Nkosi Academy, Vukanini Primary School, Thandanani Primary School, Mzinoni Secondary School, and Ikwezi Primary School.

Learners, teachers, parents and donors gathered to celebrate the milestone. Learners shared how access to sanitary pads has improved their confidence, school attendance and academic performance.

Teachers also noted a visible decline in absenteeism among girls since the programme began.

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Over the past five years, the drive has relied on donations from community members, churches and local retailers.

Empower Machite JV and Local Choice Pharmacy in Bethal have been key supporters, contributing products and educational talks.

“We don’t do this for recognition. We do it because every girl in Bethal and eMzinoni deserves the same chance to learn as her classmates. Period,” said Gwebu.

The foundation said the need for support continues to grow as more schools request assistance amid rising costs.

Plans for the sixth year of the programme include expanding support to three additional schools and launching an educational programme focused on menstrual health and hygiene.