Little closets of confidence for Bay pupils
Being ashamed to go to school because of a lack of hygiene products could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a group of volunteers who are in the process of providing hygiene closets to Nelson Mandela Bay schools.
These cupboards will soon be stacked to the brim with much-needed sanitary wear and other essentials.
When the lockdown came into effect in March last year, the 4ourkidsPE non-profit organisation was established and kicked off its community activities with a soup kitchen at Astra Primary School in Bloemendal.
Founder Veroneeq Breda, 26, said it was necessary to fill the gap provided by the school feeding schemes when schools had to close during the lockdown.
She said the needs had since grown to include basic hygiene items for pupils.
“In February, we noticed many children did not want to come to school because they do not have the necessary hygiene items.
“We are waiting on confirmation from schools who are keen to have the hygiene closets so that children who don’t have the means to get basic hygiene care can approach the teacher responsible for sanitary
pads and other hygiene items,” she said.
Breda said the number of schools with hygiene closets would depend on the amount of toiletries received.
Sapphire Road Primary School principal Alicia Baatjies said hygiene closets at schools would definitely help.
Astra Primary School principal Helma Boggenpoel said hygiene closets would make a big difference to the lives of pupils who did not have the means to buy toiletries. “We are already helping children at our school and giving them a sanitary package for the week when they are menstruating.
“Parents are unemployed and children are ashamed to go to school because they do not have the necessary toiletries at home.”
Breda said the work of the organisation never stopped, but they depended solely on donations and sponsors.
In 2020, brothers and musos Waven and Ruwayne Sebia, who perform under the name “Jay Em”, partnered with 4ourkidsPE to raise funds to feed the community.
“I am grateful to our sponsors,” Breda said..
“We look forward to continue serving our community.
“If each one of us can do our bit, we can reach many more needy people.”