674 sanitary packs donated to support Ga-Rankuwa learners
Learners at Bodubelo Primary in Ga-Rankuwa receive sanitary packs to help them stay in class.
Image: Supplied
Learners at Bodubelo Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, have received 674 packs of sanitary products aimed at addressing period poverty and supporting girls to remain in class.
After learning about the challenges faced by girl learners at the school, staff members from Time Square organised a drive to collect and purchase sanitary towels. The company complemented the employees’ efforts by matching their donations, resulting in a total of 674 sanitary towels donated to the school.
According to Global Citizen, approximately 3.7 million South African girls cannot afford sanitary products, and research from Stellenbosch University indicates that around 30% of girls miss school during menstruation. For Bodubelo Primary, in an underprivileged community where many families depend on social grants, sanitary products are often viewed as a luxury. This has a direct impact on school attendance and learner confidence.
Donations of sanitary products aim to boost attendance and confidence among Bodubelo Primary learners.
Image: Supplied
For generations, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, shame and myths, says the website Asante Africa Foundation. From being seen as “unclean” to being forced to miss school or stay isolated during their periods, girls across Africa have faced barriers because of a natural biological occurrence. However, the narrative is beginning to change.
“We are deeply concerned about this and motivated to do anything we can to assist these girls,” says Ruben Gooranah, Time Square general manager. “By addressing the problem and taking steps to remedy it, it assists in the pursuit of education and dignified attendance at classes.”
Driven by empathy and teamwork, departments within the casino collected sanitary products, with some raising funds to purchase pads and others donating them directly.
Sanitary products distributed monthly at Bodubelo Primary will help learners stay in school with dignity.
Image: Supplied
The sanitary products will be stored and distributed monthly to identified learners at the school, ensuring ongoing support.
“The learners are grateful and relieved to receive these donations, which will allow them to maintain dignity in the classroom and thus strengthen their ability to be present and to boost their studies,” said Bodubelo Primary principal Masilu Gideon Malatji. “Thank you for making a difference in these young lives.”