Private Observer

 MoE in the process of distributing disposable sanitary towels to 452,362 female learners from grade 7 to 12 

The Ministry of Education says it is in the process of distributing disposable sanitary towels to 452,362 female learners from grade 7 to 12 in order to reduce absenteeism among female learners.

Receiving a donation of 1,600 sanitary towels to Chunga Secondary School from BuyZed and its partners Shoprite and Ange Care, Ministry Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Joel Kamoko said the ministry wants to see menstruation related absenteeism among adolescent female learners coming to an end.

In a speech read for him by Director of Secondary Education Yvonne Chulu, Mr. Kamoko said research has shown that a girl child misses school 36 days in a calendar year putting her at a disadvantage and contributing to poor performance among them.

And BuyZed Founder Evans Ngoma expressed hope that the donation will improve hygiene of the girl children, lessen the financial burden and improve excelling focus on academic work.

Meanwhile, Shoprite General Manager Charles Botha disclosed that the chain store has sold 1.2 million Ange Care sanitary pads in the last 1 year which are produced locally.