Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) has strengthened its End Period Poverty Campaign by donating 200 dignity packs to Ndzevane and Big Bend High Schools, benefiting vulnerable girls in the company’s neighboring rural communities.
The initiative, driven by both employee contributions of sanitary towels and additional purchases by the company, aims to ensure that no learner misses school due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.
The donation responds to an ongoing challenge affecting many needy girls in rural areas, where access to sanitary products remains limited and is part of the “End Period Poverty Campaign” that the company committed to about three years ago. Each school received 100 hampers, with each pack containing packs of sanitary towels, bath soaps, and a face towel, equipping the learners with essential hygiene items.
Addressing the girls during the handover, Ubombo Sugar’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Leonard Ndzimandze, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting the girl child.
“Among all the challenges that a girl child may face, ensuring access to menstrual pads is not optional. It is crucial,” he said. “We are aware that some girls miss classes simply because they do not have pads. We are trying to address this problem andencourage you to come to school every single day, even during that time of the month. Your education matters, and it is our responsibility to support you to remain in class with dignity.”
The initiative also incorporated an educational component, with USL’s Community Health Nurse Sister Dumsile Mamba engaging learners on menstrual hygiene and emotional wellbeing.
“Menstrual hygiene is the first step, but maintaining mental health during that time of the month is equally important,” she explained. “We want you to show up even when you are on your period. Take care of yourselves: rest when needed, talk to a friend or trusted adult, drink enough water, and never feel ashamed. Mood changes during menstrual periods are normal, and they do not define your ability to learn. Show up and rise,”she urged the learners.
Through this campaign, Ubombo Sugar continues to demonstrate how partnerships between companies and their employees can drive meaningful social change. By addressing period poverty, the initiative is helping girls remain in school, preserve their dignity, and unlock their full potential.
60 Pairs of school shoes for Mavalela Primary School
In addition to addressing period poverty, USL extended its support through its Back-to-School – Winter Campaign, donating 60 pairs of school shoes and socks to pupils at Mavalela Primary School.
This donation forms part of the company’s winter school campaign which aims to ensure that all learners attend school with confidence and comfort.
The school is located in a remote and secluded part of the Lubombo region, beyond the small town of Big Bend, where many learners face significant socio-economic challenges.
The donation of school shoes aims to help keep children in school by addressing one of the basic barriers to education, particularly during the winter season. By supporting learners from vulnerable backgrounds, Ubombo Sugar continues to play a vital role in promoting access to education and improving the wellbeing of communities in the region.
Through these combined efforts, USL is demonstrating how targeted interventions, driven by both corporate commitment and employee generosity, can bring dignity, and opportunity to those who most need it.
Addressing the learners, Ubombo Sugar’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Leonard Ndzimandze, stated that winter should not keep a child from the classroom. “With these 60 pairs of school shoes, we are protecting your feet from the cold and providing extra comfort by wearing the socks. Every child deserves to walk to school with dignity.”
The school’s headteacher, Ms Mathabatha extended her gratitude to Ubombo Sugar for the generous donation ,highlighting that a majority of the children in the area come from underprivileged families and are indeed needy. “ These shoes are more than a donation; they are a great shield against the cold winter. We are deeply grateful Ubombo,” she said.