Pads donation to give pupils dignity

Ward 89 Democratic Alliance PR councillor Nondumiso Mvinjelwa is determined to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged pupils in township schools.

On Tuesday May 27, Ms Mvinjelwa distributed more than 100 sanitary pads at the Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School.

She said her generosity stems from her childhood in Site C where families struggle to afford basic toiletries.

She believes that restoring a child’s dignity by providing essentials such as sanitary towels can significantly boost their self-esteem and encourage consistent attendance at school.

“I was once a girl child that used clothes when I was menstruating. It was not a nice thing but I had to do it because I had nothing. I grew up in Site C and I know many young girls of my age who were like me. But we said it was okay and stuck to school. I am doing this because I know the pain of having nothing. I am trying to avoid the dropout of our children. I know this will ultimately improve their chances of academic success.” 

She said her vision extends beyond just providing sanitary towels and toiletries but to try and provide school uniforms and programmes that will help young people. “I have realised that a lot of learners do not have school shoes and uniforms. What I am doing is part of bringing back a black child’s dignity. My next focus and drive is to add uniforms and school shoes. I also want to organise departments like Home Affairs to visit schools so they can do identity documents for kids.” 

She appealed to the pupils to be their sister's keeper and not to fall victim to peer pressure.

She said many girls date blessers (older men) because of pressure to have clothes and expensive things. “Do not live the life you cannot afford. We have a crisis of girls who indulge in alcohol because of pressure but my message to them is, they should stand their ground and say it is okay to be different. We need them because the future of the country is in their hands.” 

Teachers Mvusi Fuzile and Nomtha Kobo said they were glad for their children. The duo appealed for other programmes that would include boys.

Ms Fuzile said: “We are in an area where unemployment is rife. Parents could not afford simple basic things. This gesture came in handy.” 

Ms Kobo said the donation would boost pupils' self-esteem and reduce absenteeism.