Zwelimfundo Primary School in Scenery Park was abuzz with joy and excitement when one of its teachers, Khuthala Baleni, celebrated her 30th birthday with her pupils on Friday.
Baleni did something different this year and entered her 30s by donating 450 sanitary towels to pupils.
I am a Grade 1 teacher, and I decided to pay it forward to the pupils, and also to lift the spirits of the school as a whole, as we have been stricken and depressed by Covid-19
“I am a Grade 1 teacher, and I decided to pay it forward to the pupils, and also to lift the spirits of the school as a whole, as we have been stricken and depressed by Covid-19,” she said.
“Some of the pupils come from destitute backgrounds and cannot afford to buy sanitary towels, which prevents them from attending classes.”
The school’s quad was filled with pupils from Grades 5 to 7 who sang and danced with their teachers.
Health department officials were invited to share information about feminine hygiene with the young girls.
The young, vibrant teacher who has been working for the school for two years said her friends and family had helped make her dream come true
“I posted this idea on my social media platforms and my family and friends assisted by donating the sanitary towels,” she said.
“I don’t want these girls to lose their confidence as they grow up, as this is part of growing up.”
Grade 5 pupil Baphuncumo Ganati said: “We are grateful for what our teacher has done for us, as some of my peers struggle to get sanitary towels.
“The information we got form the Department of Health was insightful, and I am glad it was delivered in the presence of the boys, as they were also taught about feminine hygiene.”
Principal Thembile Mncotsho praised Baleni’s thoughtful gesture, saying it had been the first of its kind to take place at the school.
“She was not doing this for the pupils only, but has taught us teachers something about paying if forward,” he said.
“This is a great initiative. I thank her for being a teacher to all of us in the spirit of ubuntu.”
DispatchLIVE
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