KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas regional education director /Awebahe //Hoeseb says many female learners understand the basic facts of the menstrual cycle but are unable to manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear because most parents are poor. This was his observation when receiving sanitary pads and photocopy paper by Dakaza Fishing Company in Karasburg for schools resorting under the !Garib area in the //Kharas region.  

“This will put these girls in a situation where they would be able to maintain hygiene throughout their menstruating period,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Karasburg East constituency councillor, Anseline Beukes regarded the handing over as remarkable in light of the much-needed assistance provided to the learners.

“Through this, their challenge of not being able to purchase sanitary pads, which in some case make them refusing to attend school are now addressed partially,” she added.

 The councillor furthermore reasoned poverty is a social disease, whereby parents cannot afford to contribute stationery to schools whilst government cannot do this alone; hence, these schools are very fortunate to receive this consignment of 66 boxes of sanitary pads as well as 12 boxes of paper, valued more than N$40 000.

Beukes urged other companies in her constituency to emulate Dakaza and assist government halfway in uplifting the socio-economic conditions in all spheres of society during the hardships currently endured.

Meanwhile, Reginald Jacobs, director at Dakaza Fishing Company gave the assurance that they will always be committed to the //Kharas region, as their main responsibility lies within it.

“This is the beginning and will not be the last; our wish is that from today onwards, despite the current economic situation, we will join hands as stakeholders in the fight against poverty in our communities,” he said.

Frieda Amukongo, head of department at Lordsville Secondary School in Karasburg, said the donation was indeed a good initiative and is highly appreciated, even though small in quantity.

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na