Online Reporter
Langelihle Nyathi, [email protected]
A new wave of hope washed over Ndlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala, Bulawayo, as I Am a Flower, Imbali Enhle, a Christian-based non-profit organisation, officially launched its community empowerment programme aimed at supporting young girls with menstrual health education and personal development.
The launch drew an unexpectedly large crowd of girls aged 13 to 21, accompanied by their mothers, all eager to learn and engage.
The initiative was born out of the lived experiences of founder Lynn Sibonginkosi Moyo, who grew up unable to afford sanitary products.
Her personal struggle ignited a vision to ensure that no girl should have to suffer the same hardship.
“This is a vision I had back when I could not afford sanitary wear,” Moyo shared, visibly moved by the turnout.
The organisation seeks to close the knowledge gap around menstruation and provide a safe, supportive space where girls can build confidence, self-awareness, and essential life skills.
Its goal is to dismantle barriers that prevent young women from thriving in their communities.
“We believe that every girl deserves to feel confident, dignified and empowered, regardless of her background or circumstances,” said Charmaine Qinisolihle Sibanda, from I am flower, Imbali Enhle.
The event featured a lineup of dynamic speakers, pastors, youth mentors, and community leaders who all stressed the importance of education as a tool for self-reliance.
“Education is your backup plan, with it, you can be your own boss. The driver’s seat is always better than the passenger seat,” said Sandisiwe Nyathi.
Speakers also addressed the pressures young girls face in a society filled with misleading influences, encouraging them to value themselves, stay focused, and prioritise their well-being
“You are a prize, not a mistake. Love yourself,” urged Pastor Vincent Hlongwane from the Prayer Hub Center.
Youth pastor Dalton Khuphe delivered a striking message on the power of education and the dangers of negative peer influence.
“Boys will be boys, manipulative, but education is the only man that will never divorce you. Stay away from bad friends. They always invest in your distraction,” he said.
Other speakers, including Ntobeko Mhlophe, emphasised hygiene and self-care as key components of confidence.
“Nothing builds confidence more than cleanliness. Love yourself enough to be clean, and don’t seek validation from friends,” she advised.
Concerns over declining respect and humility among today’s youth were also raised, with Gretchen Simango and Memory Mhondiwa noting that many young girls mature physically but lag mentally and often resist correction.
As the event drew to a close, Pastor Njabulo Moyo of Wealthy Word International Ministries encouraged the girls to hold on to the lessons learned.
“You are very blessed because the information that you have learnt today is so valuable and I hope your thinking is affected because your thinking shapes your destiny.
The launch marked a powerful beginning for I am a flower, Imbali Enhle, signalling a growing movement to empower girl children with knowledge, confidence, and the dignity they deserve.
Sidumisile Mabena