One’s Fate Foundation has taken another important step in supporting girls’ education by donating sanitary towels to underprivileged primary schools and colleges across the Dr. Beyers Naudé and Blue Crane Route local municipalities.
The initiative, which took place this January, reached ten schools in the Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality and five schools in the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality. A total of 740 packets of sanitary towels were distributed to schools in the Graaff-Reinet district, including Lettie de Klerk Primary School in Nieu-Bethesda, several schools in Somerset East, as well as primary schools in Adendorp, Graaff-Reinet and surrounding areas.
According to One’s Fate Foundation chairperson Mbulelo Tini, the programme aims to address one of the major challenges faced by young girls during their menstrual cycles. “Many girls stay at home when it is that time of the month. Our goal is to encourage school girls to participate fully in their schooling activities by providing hygienic sanitary towels.” Tini said.
By ensuring access to essential menstrual products, the foundation hopes to restore dignity, build confidence and reduce absenteeism among school girls. The initiative highlights the vital link between menstrual health, education and overall well-being.
In addition to primary schools, two Graaff-Reinet colleges also benefited from the programme. South Africa College for Tourism (SACT) and Eastcape Midlands College (EMC) received a combined total of 189 packets of sanitary towels on 16 January 2026. Tini noted that many students at these institutions come from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas, making such support critical.
One’s Fate Foundation’s vision is rooted in creating equal opportunities for young girls. “We believe that every school girl deserves to manage her periods with dignity and confidence. By providing sanitary towels and promoting menstrual health education, we aim to create a supportive environment that enables girls to thrive in school and beyond.” the foundation stated.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to host its fourth annual sanitary towel drive for underprivileged high schools during Mandela Month in August. The organisation also extended its gratitude to community members and local businesses whose support made the outreach possible.
