By BAKANG MOKOTO
Many learners across the country, especially in deep rural areas, continue to suffer during this winter season as they are forced to go to school either without shoes or wear worn-out shoes to protect themselves from the cold breeze.
Also, some female learners suffer double challenges as they mostly miss out on school every month because of menstruation. Now, community members in four villages such as Maganeng, Ntswanahatshe, Moretele and Khaukhwe near Taung, came together and donated over 150 shoes and 100 sanitary towels to underprivileged learners at Moitsemang Primary School in Maganeng, Moncho Primary School in Khaukwe, Motlhamare Primary School and Jerry Mahura High School in Ntswanahatshe.
Philanthropist and social activist, Mothusi Dikwelane who is the coordinator for the project said, they have realised that there was a need for school shoes and sanitary pads at these schools. Dikwelane further said even though menstruation is a natural phenomenon, female learners often do not have enough money to buy sanitary pads.
“As community members, we have realised that there is a need of school shoes and sanitary pads for some learners, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. So, we met and started a campaign to assist them.
“We are grateful because we managed to get something even though it was not enough. Eish, there is a serious challenge at Moncho Primary School. Some learners there are in disarray and you could see that they need more than shoes and sanitary pads,” he said.
Dikwelane pleaded with community members and business people to support their campaign, so that they can assist as many learners as possible. He said some adolescent girls are struggling to buy sanitary pads and resorted to rags, socks, even newspapers and that is not good for their hygiene.
“We know that talking about menstruation might be regarded as a taboo in many cultures, but what young girls are experiencing is a shame and embarrassment. Principals at these four schools welcomed the donations and applauded those who contributed.
“So, we need to work together to ensure that they get resources to manage their menstruation hygienically. This does not just affect their education, but some of them ended up dropping out of school because of this,” said Dikwelane.
He said the campaign was led by Othusitse Thabo Moroka as the chairperson, Fredah Mosepele as Secretary, Keitheng Kodisang as the Deputy Secretary including himself as coordinator through the help of the community at large.
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) president, Thabang Mokoena said: “We have not engaged the Department of Basic Education (DBE) regarding the provision of sanitary towels to female learners in schools. However, we understand that there is a shortage of sanitary towels in most schools.
“So, we are still going to approach them and ensure that every female learner in school gets them. We also want to call on private companies to come on board and have a positive contribution towards social responsibilities across villages they operate in.”
Mokoena said most parents are working in various private companies, but these companies tend to turn a blind eye in assisting the same communities. He said Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) is crucial for community development.
The Guardian 