In Ngcobo, a rural town in the Eastern Cape, a former athlete turned philanthropist is making a difference in the lives of young rural girls by providing them with sanitary pads. Vuko “Vince” Loqo, a marathon runner, founded the Ithemba Support Foundation to raise funds for sanitary pads for girls in need.
Loqo collects donations of sanitary pads from businesses and organizations whenever he participates in a marathon. His goal is to ensure that no girl misses school due to lack of access to sanitary products. “It really pained me to see children in my villages suffering because of something that is natural, and being unable to attend school. But I’m happy that I am managing to put a smile on these girls’ faces and restore their dignity,” says Loqo.
One of the recipients of the donated pads is 16-year-old Ntlantla Butshingi, who attends Cwecweni Senior Secondary School. She shares the struggles she faces when she is on her period and how it affects her ability to attend school. Many girls like Ntlantla come from impoverished backgrounds where access to sanitary pads is a luxury.
Iviwe Mateyise, a 15-year-old student at Pakamani Senior Secondary School, emphasizes the importance of having sanitary pads readily available at school. She calls on the government to ensure that pads are provided free of charge to every schoolgirl, just like other essential school supplies.
Despite the government’s efforts to implement the Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework in 2019, many girls still do not benefit from the program. Period shame and lack of awareness contribute to some girls dropping out of school. Teachers like Ziyanda Sotyato stress the importance of educating both girls and boys about menstruation to eliminate the stigma associated with periods.
The donation of sanitary pads by the Ithemba Support Foundation is a step in the right direction to keep girls in school and focused on their education. By raising awareness and providing essential hygiene products, Loqo and his foundation are making a positive impact on the lives of young girls in rural communities.
