Sun International’s Central Office employees and the Socio-Economic Development (SED) Department empowered 200 female learners at Reshomile Primary School in Diepsloot with a donation of re-useable Palesa Pads for International Day of the Girl on October 11.
The donation, worth R40 000, supports the educational needs of grade 6 and 7 girl learners by keeping them in school during their monthly period. The no-fee co-educational school in Diepsloot relies on contributions and donations to alleviate many of their challenges.
“Many girls in Africa miss days in school every month as they cannot afford sanitary pads,” said Palesa Pads founder and CEO Sheri de Wet. “The Flo Kit, which includes three reusable sanitary pads and a cleaning kit, not only helps these girls at their desks, it also helps to reduce the millions of single-use disposable sanitary items going into landfill.” The products, handmade in South Africa, can be used for up to five years.”
Heidi Edson, Sun International’s Head of Socio-Economic Development said the call to the organisation’s staff for donations was made over Women’s Month with the donation to the school itself, aligning with October’s International Day of the Girl. “The donation brings Sun International’s commitment to uplifting education across the country to life. By providing these young girls with access to essential sanitary products, we are promoting health and hygiene and ensuring they can continue their education without interruption or worrying about where to get money to buy these products.”
During the event, the girls received a demonstration on how to use the washable, reusable sanitary towels. “Much like feeding programmes, the provision of sanitary towels plays a crucial role in keeping girl learners in school. We understand that when young girls have the resources they need, they are able to focus on their books and this gives them the ability to meet their full potential,” said Reshomile Primary School principal, Mrs. K.D. Xulu
Sun International remains dedicated to its mission of fostering sustainable development and education, and this initiative is a testament to the group’s ongoing efforts to create a better South Africa through support for the country’s future leaders.
According to Palesa Pads, they have enabled 127,201 girls to stay in school, prevented 176,611,400 disposable pads from entering the environment, and sold 883,057 reusable pads to date.
To change a girl’s future, members of the public can make donations via the Palesa Pads website, where The Flo Kits costs R199 per unit.
