Online Reporter
Chronicle Correspondent
SIACHILABA Secondary School in Binga District, Matabeleland North Province, has become the latest beneficiary of the donation of sanitary wear drive by the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB), as part of the organisation’s efforts to promote menstrual health.
Under the programme, each girl at Siachilaba received sanitary pads sufficient for a year, helping to reduce absenteeism, enhance classroom concentration, and uphold dignity during menstruation.
Through its “Donate a Pad and Keep a Girl in School” initiative, POSB allows its staff to contribute sanitary pads or donate leave days, which are converted into cash for the purchase of menstrual hygiene products.
The bank matches staff contributions to amplify impact, ensuring that more disadvantaged girls in remote and underserved communities receive the support they need to remain in school during their menstrual periods.
Siachilaba Secondary School is the latest beneficiary of this programme, which targets underprivileged girls in need of menstrual hygiene assistance.
In his remarks at the recent handover of the donation, POSB chief executive officer, Mr Garainashe Changunda, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to advancing education, particularly in rural and remote communities, as part of its broader efforts to empower marginalised groups.
“As the people’s bank, POSB is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve, especially in remote districts such as Binga,” he said.
“The ‘Donate a Pad’ initiative underscores our commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges that continue to impede girls’ education and empowerment.
“Every girl deserves access to proper sanitary wear so she can pursue her education without interruption,” said Mr Changunda.
Recent surveys suggest that, approximately 70 percent of schoolgirls in Zimbabwe lack access to sanitary wear and resort to using unsafe materials such as old rags, while some reportedly turn to cow dung.
Hence, Mr Changunda has said POSB places education and schools at the core of its community development initiatives with enhanced support for learners.
“Beyond this donation to Siachilaba, POSB has provided sanitary pads to Neruvanga Secondary School in Masvingo and, just last month, equipped seven rural schools in Gokwe, Chipinge, Bubi, and Bindura with 5kVA solar kits.
These efforts form part of our broader strategy to ensure that schools, particularly in rural and marginalised areas, have access to both essential learning resources and reliable energy for modern education,” said Mr Changunda.
In line with its commitment to closing the rural–urban digital and energy divide, POSB recently launched an US$8,7 million Solar and Starlink Facility — a financing programme designed to provide schools, SMEs, and households across Zimbabwe with affordable solar power and high-speed internet connectivity.
The facility seeks to promote equitable access to energy and digital learning for all learners.
Mr Changunda called on other stakeholders to collaborate in improving learning conditions across the country.
“Limited access to sanitary products, reliable energy, and internet connectivity in schools remains a major challenge that requires collective action,” he said.
“By working together, we can safeguard the dignity, health, and future of the girl child, while strengthening the education system that supports her aspirations.”
Siachilaba Secondary School Deputy Head, Mr Njabulo Moyo, expressed gratitude to POSB for its continued commitment to education and youth empowerment.
“This generous gesture from POSB will significantly improve our girls’ health, confidence, and school attendance. They can now focus on their studies without the burden of managing menstrual hygiene.
“We are deeply grateful for POSB’s continued efforts to uplift the education and well-being of our learners,” he said.
The handover ceremony was attended by POSB representatives, school authorities, parents, traditional leaders, and members of the Siachilaba community, who commended the Bank for its unwavering dedication to empowering the girl child and enhancing education across Zimbabwe.
