Page 27 - RBIDZ

RICHARDS BAY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE

- CARING FOR A GIRL CHILD

It was a day to remember for 878 school girls from Ikusasalethu High
School in the outskirts of Mtubatuba, as they will now, never have to
miss a day of school due to menstrual cycles. This is due to the valiant
contribution of R60 000 by the Richards Bay Industrial Development
Zone towards the massive distribution course of sanitary towels in
partnership with Imbumba Foundation - Caring for Girls. The RBIDZ
identified 12 High Schools who will be provided with a years’ supply
of sanitary towels.

Significantly, the school activation acknowledged the young women
during the Women’s Month and the emphasis made was that as
society, we need to provide support and instil confidence in the young
girls so that they do not feel any different during their special time of
the month. Fulfilling the course, RBIDZ, in partnership with Imbumba
Foundation, elevated the handover massively by teaming up with TV
personality, Luyanda Mzazi, famously known as “Lesedi” in the popular
TV soapie, Generations - The Legacy. Over 1 269 sanitary towels
were distributed, with each learner receiving a three months’ supply.
by facilitating and developing an environment of self-awareness
Over and above the sanitary packs, the learners were enriched and tolerance towards each other and further opening communication
with invaluable motivational talks from RBIDZ Stakeholder and channels to allow constant engagement. The Caring for Girls is a
Communications Manager, Choice Sihiya; Brand and Marketing sanitary towel distribution programme which was started in 2012
Manager, Zodwa Zikalala; as well as an address from the key note by Mr. Richard Mabaso, founder of Imbumba Foundation, to keep
speaker, Luyanda Mzazi. young girls in school during their monthly cycles. The programme
also focuses on creating awareness on puberty education
The girls were indulged with the importance of education and how one and adolescence and, in the process, demystifying all menstrual-
can break the barriers of adversity and poverty through education related myths.
and that the future lies in dreaming and turning a dream into a reality
by setting goals and working hard to realise them. Remarkably, it is a The initiative currently supports over 350 000 girls nationally and
responsibility of the entire society to work towards asserting these the ultimate goal is to reach 2 000 000 girls by year 2020.
young girls with knowledge and life skills. These can be achieved

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