Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
THE Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) last week handed over dignity packs to more than 760 pupils at Siganda and Sigonde Secondary Schools in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province. The donation formed part of Zinara’s Project We Care initiative, which aims to uplift communities through social empowerment and improve the welfare of disadvantaged groups.
Girls received reusable sanitary pads designed to last a year, along with a bucket, soap, petroleum jelly, and a towel. Boys were provided with a towel, bath soap, and petroleum jelly. The gesture is intended to promote hygiene and help combat period poverty — a global issue affecting millions of women and girls who lack access to menstrual products and adequate sanitation facilities.
For pupils like Charlene Nkala, a Form Three learner at Siganda, the donation was life-changing.
“As girls, we face many challenges during our periods. Sometimes there’s no money to buy pads, and we end up using pieces of cloth to manage the flow. We stain our uniforms, and that causes some of us to miss school. This kind gesture by Zinara will go a long way in restoring our dignity and ending period poverty,” she said.
Sandra Ndebele, whose dream is to become a bank accountant, said she has friends who regularly miss lessons due to lack of sanitary wear.
“Sanitary products are expensive and unaffordable for most children in rural areas. Some of my friends skip school during their periods. Other children laugh at you when your uniform is stained. This causes some to stay away from school. Thanks to Zinara, girls can now attend school even during their periods. We’re grateful for their support to us, the rural child,” she said.
Despite the challenges, boys at Siganda Secondary showed strong solidarity with their female classmates. Warren Bangano, an aspiring engineer who travels 25 kilometres to school, said they understood the importance of the initiative.
“No one will mock the girls for stained uniforms anymore. And for us boys, we can now bathe properly with the items we’ve received,” he said.
Luke Banda, who hopes to become a dentist, said the donation showed that the community cared for both boys and girls.
“We now know there are people who care about us — not just the girls, but boys too. I understand what girls go through during their periods. This will help them stay in school,” he said.
Ryan Nyoni, who cycles to school and hopes to join the army, thanked Zinara for remembering the boy child. Prince Muleya added that they supported the initiative to end period poverty, having seen many girls miss lessons because of menstruation.
Siganda Secondary School headmaster, Collen Mguni, said the school has an enrolment of 402 pupils, including 171 girls. He confirmed that some girls used to miss classes due to lack of sanitary wear.
“Zinara’s gesture will significantly alleviate their challenges and promote hygiene among all pupils,” said Mr Mguni.
Sigonde Secondary School head, Mr Sydney Jumo, said the initiative addresses a critical need and will help learners, especially girls, to attend school with dignity, confidence, and uninterrupted focus.
“This restores hope and reinforces the message that every child deserves a fair chance to learn and succeed,” he said.
Sigonde Secondary School head girl, Angela Mpofu, said the dignity packs would ensure girls no longer miss school due to period poverty.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Zinara board member Ms Mayor Monica Ngwenya said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment beyond road construction and tollgate management.
“Through Project We Care, we are reminded that every road we build must lead to opportunity, and every tollgate we operate must serve a purpose. Today, we are here to ensure our girls are not left behind due to challenges beyond their control,” she said.
Mrs Ngwenya noted that many young girls across Zimbabwe face the painful reality of missing school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of access to sanitary products.
“What should be a natural and private part of life often becomes a source of anxiety, embarrassment, and lost learning opportunities. Some girls even drop out of school because of stigma or discomfort,” she said.
Mrs Ngwenya described the distribution of dignity packs as a message of care and empowerment.
“To every girl at Siganda Secondary School — you matter. Your education matters. Your dreams matter. And your dignity matters,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
She added that the initiative aligns with Vision 2030, championed by President Mnangagwa, which seeks to build an upper-middle-income economy where no one is left behind.
“By supporting girls in this way, we are helping them stay in school, remain confident, and pursue their goals without interruption or shame. Zinara is proud to contribute to that vision by investing not only in roads but also in the social fabric that keeps our communities strong and resilient,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
In a show of inclusivity, Zinara also mobilised hygiene kits for boys, underscoring the organisation’s belief in balanced empowerment.
“We believe in a community that is evenly yoked — where both men and women are well empowered to lead and to serve,” said Mrs Ngwenya.
