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Mkhululi Ncube, Chronicle Reporter
TOUCHED by stories on the challenges faced by underprivileged children in terms of accessing sanitary pads, a Finland-based Zimbabwean woman donated a consignment of pads to Mzilikazi Primary School in Bulawayo.

Mrs Julia Wilson-Hangaamaa (58) sourced the donation through mobilising her contacts in the Scandinavian country. The pads were handed over to underprivileged girls in Grades 5 to 7 following a thorough selection process by the school guidance and counselling committee.

“While in Finland I read articles about how challenging it is for a girl child to stay home while others go to school during their periods simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. I mobilised resources from my friends in Asikkala, Finland where I live through social media,” she said.

“I wrote on several social medial platforms including Facebook that I would be travelling and asked my friends to help me buy sanitary pads and in no time my suitcase was full of sanitary pads.”

Mrs Wilson-Hangaamaa said they live-streamed the handover ceremony at the school for accountability purposes and to afford the donors an opportunity to follow proceedings.

She said she also noted that other challenges faced at school include overcrowding, lack of stationery and furniture.

“Their Home Economics department lacks the basic equipment such as stoves, sewing machines and cutlery. A number of learners at Mzilikazi Primary School cannot afford school fees, uniforms and underwear,” she said.

“Some learners in the traditional dance group cannot afford the performance attire. Since I went to the ground, I now have a clear picture of what is required hence I can now lobby for more donations for the school.”

Mrs Wilson- Hangaamaa urged society to protect and support the girl against sexual abuse through awareness programmes and educating communities on sexual and gender-based violence among other forms of abuse.

Mzilikazi Primary School head Mr Buker Dladla commended the gesture, saying it will go a long way in addressing the plight of the underprivileged girls. — @themkhust