On March 31st, 134 learners at Bakwena Secondary School in Brits in the North West Province and 151 learners at Lesele Secondary School in Boons, North West received hygiene hampers, ensuring that the girls remain in school during their monthly cycles for the remainder of the year.
In November 2020, Engen committed R1 million to the Caring4Girls feminine hygiene initiative, ensuring that 5 270 female learners approach their monthly cycles with confidence and dignity.
This follows a R2.5 million pledge made by Engen to Caring4Girls in 2018.
During last year’s rollout, 4 112 female learners at eight schools located close to Engen storage facilities in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North and Free State received sanitary hampers.
The final leg of the campaign will reach the last 1 148 female learners, based at four schools in the North West Province, taking the total number of schools reached to 12.
Caring4Girls is an Imbumba Foundation initiative that aims to provide girls with sanitary towels to help keep them in school during their monthly cycles.
“We cannot thrive as a society if some of our female learners are left behind because they are unable to attend school due to feminine hygiene issues, which is why we are proud to partner with the Imbumba Foundation and contribute to this meaningful initiative,” says Engen Managing Director and CEO, Yusa’ Hassan.
According to the Imbumba Foundation, research has shown that underprivileged girls miss up to 50 days of school per year due to inaccessible feminine hygiene care.
Imbumba Foundation CEO, Richard Mabaso says the Caring4Girls programme creates a voice for girls in addition to distributing sanitary materials.
“Caring4Girls also provides health education on puberty and adolescence, to demystify menstrual related myths and break down societal taboos, whilst promoting positive body literacy and autonomy, as well as gender equality.”
Mabaso acknowledged Engen for its compassion for the young girls and thanked them for making a generous contribution towards the initiative.
“Engen really is a brand that steps up where it matters and truly cares about the less fortunate. We are extremely excited that Engen has once again agreed to partner with us. Together we will touch and inspire many young girls’ lives,” adds Mabaso.
Engen’s Hassan says the company has a proud record of social investment and cares deeply about the communities in which it operates.
“Education is a key enabler to transform lives, which is why we are so passionate about this initiative because it will help uplift and empower female learners.
“By supporting these young girls, we will ensure that their dignity is retained and that they never have to miss school because of their monthly cycles.”
Caring4Girls is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education.
The programme focuses on education and training on puberty and menstrual hygiene management, and includes the safe and environmentally responsible handling, usage and disposal of sanitary towels.
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