Gift of dignity

Yesterday morning, girls at the ID Mkhize Secondary School in Gugulethu received 200 much-needed hygiene packs.

The packs, containing various toiletries including sanitary pads, were given to the pupils as part of the Western Cape government and NGO Al-Imdaad outreach efforts.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Albert Fritz addressed a packed assembly hall yesterday morning and encouraged pupils to fight for their dignity, and to always be treated with respect.

Fritz said: “Some people think because we are poor, we don’t need to get dignity. We always have the right to dignity, let us fight for that dignity.”

He praised Al-Imdaad for donating the toiletries to the pupils.

Thousands of pupils cheered as Fritz got them to say: “I am great, I am me”, ending his speech by urging the pupils to “define” themselves.

The hygiene packs – containing sanitary pads, Vaseline, body lotion, soap and toothpaste – were welcomed as some pupils are often in need of the basic sanitary items. One Grade 10 pupil who spoke to the Daily Voice said it is difficult to afford sanitary pads as her mother is currently unemployed and there isn’t always money.

“I feel ashamed. I come to school, but I don’t want to be around other people,” the pupil said.

Pupils said they are forced to stay home when they can't afford pads.

She adds: “I use diapers when I don’t have pads.”

School principal Zola Pahlana says the school takes issues like sanitary pads seriously. And initiatives like these would encourage pupils to stay in school.

“Last year, myself and my staff came together and we started supplying pupils with sanitary items. The funds are not always enough, but with the help of government and NGOs, we are able to help more pupils in our school.”

Pahlana says, as a principal, his aim is to provide each and every pupil with sanitary items so there is no reason for them to leave school.

The 200 packs will be added to the school’s sanitary programme, which will benefit pupils from Grade 8 to 12.