It is estimated that some girls from marginalised backgrounds miss up to 50 school days per annum because of the menstrual cycle and lack of access to sanitary napkins.
In a bid to respond to this challenge, Vodacom together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, today, launched the Caring for Girls 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge scheduled to take place at Commercial Park, Riversands in Fourways on Sunday, 13th November, 2016.
The challenge is a drive by Vodacom employees to ride for a good cause, which seeks to collect sanitary napkins for underprivileged girls in order for them not to miss out on school. As part of the sanitary drive, members of the public can drop-off sanitary napkins at Vodacom offices and the Nelson Mandela Foundation from the Wednesday, 19th October unit 11th November, 2016.
The 50 Vodacom employees will be wearing Caring for Girls cycling gear during the race in order to help create awareness for the cause.
Vodacom Foundation has also opened an SMS donation line in order to help with raising funds for the cause. The SMS donation line will be opened to all customers and every rider has their own SMS number. Customers will be able to donate R30 by sending an SMS to 42513.
Chief Executive Officer for Vodacom Corporate Affairs, Takalani Netshitenzhe says: “Our technology offers the perfect platform for SMS fundraising and we hope to raise as much as we possibly can for this campaign.”
Netshitenzhe says as a woman leader: “I am drawn to the initiative, as it supports the dignity of young girls as they strive to gain an education.
“The purpose of our work through the Vodacom Foundation is to Connect for Good, and we do this through our programmes in education, health and security. We use technology to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of our country, and in the process help improve the quality of life of ordinary people.
“However, we also know that volunteering by our employees plays a significant role in making a difference in community upliftment. We often hear many people say they want to give back to society, but don’t know where to start.
Vodacom recognised this gap, and facilitated this process by creating programmes, which provide opportunities for volunteers to partner with non-profit organisations (NPOs),” says Netshitenzhe.
“This ride for the Girl Child is proof that selfless service contributes to human dignity and Vodacom employees continue to Take Action, Inspire Change and Make Every Day a Mandela Day.
A proud partner of Mandela Day Vodacom continues to make a difference everyday,” comments Yase Godlo, Manager Mandela Day.
