BIG END (26 March 2025): It’s often investments in small things that make the biggest impact on a child’s education. As winter approaches, many students from disadvantaged communities are likely to walk to school barefoot, or in old shoes that hurt and expose the child to the psychological torment and ridicule of peers.
A timely helping hand, by local communities and the corporate sector can bring smiles of appreciation but also leave a very positive memory for children. Such is the gift by Ubombo Sugar Limited, the principal economic hub of the central lowveld. They identified the neediest students at Ndzevane primary and Siphoso primary schools and gave them 81 pairs of new school shoes.
USL also partnered with Nkhabanhle Investments, one of of the company’s service providers to donate 488 packs of sanitary pads, face towels and packs of bar soap to promote students’ hygiene.
The gifts, according to USL head of corporate affairs Leonard Ndzimandze, is part of the company’s back-to-school campaign that seeks to support education by keeping underprivileged children in school for the entire school calendar year.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn without the fear of missing school due to a lack of basic necessities,” said Ndzimandze. “Education is a fundamental right, and today’s donation aims to ensure that students, especially girls, can attend school comfortably, and continue their education without any form of interruption.”
USL, Ndzimandze said, is committed to donate about 2000 packs of sanitary pads to school girls over the year. Each installment of the sanitary pads is intended to last each girl-child three months. He said the next tranche of the donation will be delivered to the schools during the second school term.
The donations are part of the company’s “End Period Poverty Campaign” aimed at keeping the girl-child in school. “For many girls, the lack of menstrual hygiene products can result in absenteeism during their periods. A study by UNESCO has highlighted that 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstruation due to a lack of these necessities. This often results in falling behind in studies or, in extreme cases, dropping out altogether. By providing these supplies, Ubombo is helping to ensure that these girls can remain in school and continue their studies without unnecessary disruption”.
“We are grateful for the support of Nkhabanhle Investments who generously donated 288 packs of these sanitary pads valued at E5,000 to make this initiative even more impactful,” said Ndzimandze. “Their support demonstrates the strength of community partnerships, and it shows how local businesses can play a vital role in addressing the challenges our students face.”
Expressing thanks on behalf of the children, Big Bend High School Principal Bongisipho Vilakati the kind gesture will go a long way in addressing absenteeism among the learners. “We are very grateful for the partnership we have with Ubombo Sugar. This donation will have a significant impact on the lives of the learners as we have also observed that menstrual periods can be a barrier to school attendance. These contributions come at a critical time, as many students in Eswatini face financial constraints that impact their ability to access basic items such as proper footwear and menstrual products,” Vilakati said. Jm/today/26.3.2025
