On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Laezonia Primary School in Tshwane’s Region 4 became the heart of a powerful movement of generosity and empowerment. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Women Without Limits (WWL), in collaboration with Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA), critical issues of hunger and period poverty were addressed, bringing tangible relief to the school's 2000 students.
The school, serving children from severely disadvantaged backgrounds in areas like Mooiplaats, Olivenhoutbosch, and the Laezonia settlement, faces numerous challenges. Many students travel long distances by bus, emphasizing the hardships they endure just to access education.
The WWL's initiative, in partnership with the Tshwane Feeding Project, provided cooked meals to all 2000 students, along with 2000 bottles of water, ensuring they had a nourishing meal and hydration. In a country where food scarcity affects countless children, this act of kindness was more than just a meal, it was a symbol of care, dignity, and support and had a profound impact. According to statistics, a large percentage of South African children live in households struggling with food insecurity.
Furthermore, WWL and LCSA tackled the pressing issue of period poverty. 257 menstruating girls received reusable sanitary pad packs, generously sponsored by LCSA. Each pack, provides a sustainable and dignified solution for girls who often struggle to access basic menstrual products.
"Period poverty is a reality for millions of girls in South Africa," said Haseena Azmuth of WWL. " Many miss school simply because they lack sanitary products, which not only disrupts their education but also impacts their self-esteem. Our goal was to provide more than just supplieswe wanted to equip these girls with knowledge and support."
Statistics show that up to 7 million girls in South Africa lack access to or cannot afford sanitary products, and approximately 30% of girls miss school during their menstrual cycle. This highlights the urgency of initiatives like WWL's. "The reusable pads sponsored by LCSA are a sustainable and dignified solution," explained a representative from LCSA. "We're proud to partner with WWL to make a difference in these young girls' lives."
In addition to the sanitary pad distribution, WWL conducted an educational session on menstrual health, hygiene, and the proper use of reusable pads.The organization also requested a registration list of menstruating girls to facilitate future feedback and support. "We want to ensure that the girls understand how to use the pads and that they have ongoing support," Azmuth stated. "Their feedback is crucial for us to improve and expand our efforts."
WWL extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers who generously contributed their time and vehicles, enabling the successful transportation and distribution of food, water, and sanitary packs.
The day's events at Laezonia Primary School underscored the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives. By directly addressing the intertwined issues of hunger and period poverty, Women Without Limits and Laudium Care Services for the Aged, along with the Tshwane Feeding Project, provided not just essential supplies, but also a vital sense of hope and empowerment to the school's young learners. In their kindness, these organizations reminded every child that they are seen, valued, and supported on their journey toward a brighter future.
