07-08-2025
Nurse donates sanitary towels to learners in a bid to restore their dignity
38-year-old Lonia Masemola reached out to hundreds of learners in Limpopo, bringing hope and dignity to young girls struggling with period poverty.
Learners from Letebele Marishane Secondary School were overjoyed when they received brand new sanitary towels donated by a generous former student.
Masemola, who hails from Ga-Marishane village outside the small developing town of Jane Furse, visited her former school to donate packs of sanitary towels to disadvantaged learners.
Coming from a humble background herself, Masemola understands the struggles these students face. She decided to take action after learning that many girls skip classes because their families cannot afford sanitary products and rely on social grants for survival.
'I realised that girl children end up not attending school for no good reason other than they are menstruating,' Masemola explained, becoming emotional as she shared her own experiences.
Her campaign aims to restore dignity and boost confidence among learners from poor families by providing sanitary towels, ultimately helping to reduce absenteeism and improve matric results.
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'It's amazing what a pack of sanitary towels can do for a girl child. It uplifts their confidence and ensures they don't end up in relationships with sugar daddies while seeking education,' she said.
Masemola has received positive feedback and support from parents, business owners, and friends who are eager to join her mission to change the lives of children from poor families.
During Drum's visit to the school, her former teacher praised her courage and character. Representatives from SAPS, Legal Aid, and Limpopo Public Works and Transport were also present.
This isn't Masemola's first charitable initiative. She previously collected shoes for learners from poor families, understanding firsthand the challenges of growing up without basic necessities.
'Most parents cannot afford to buy sanitary towels as they depend on children's social grant money for survival, and some lost their jobs due to the pandemic,' she explained.
Masemola sources sanitary towels from generous friends and sponsors, knowing that even one packet can change many lives. She has witnessed how girls drop out of school simply because they lack access to menstrual products.
She also addressed male students about menstrual stigma: 'It's not taboo. Stop thinking girls were sleeping with boys when they're menstruating. It's natural for girls as they develop and grow into women.'
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Her campaign will expand to neighbouring villages, with plans to reach four schools in the deep rural areas of her hometown.
'No girl child chooses to be born in poverty,' Masemola emphasised. 'Girls should be encouraged to attend school and end their families' suffering through education.'
'Education is a weapon to fight hunger and poverty. It's important that girls feel comfortable and confident in school so they can focus on their studies,' she concluded.
Masemola appeals for continued assistance to help keep girl children in school and give them hope to complete their matric with good results.
