Exxaro’s approach to community development is to make a lasting, positive impact in our host communities. This is the reason Belfast Coal implements projects that aim to improve the quality of life, morale, safety, health, and wellness where our business is located.
As part of Exxaro’s continued commitment to social upliftment and community wellbeing, Exxaro Belfast Coal, in collaboration with Family South Africa (FAMSA), extended a helping hand to 100 socio-economically disadvantaged learners in Emakhazeni Local Municipality schools namely, Belfast, Siyathuthuka and Dullstroom.
Representatives from Social Impact, Women in Mining (WIM), as well as Men in Mining (MIM) joined hands with FAMSA to deliver goods that were collected through the Pioneers’Sanitary Products Drive. A great imitative that will help keep girls in school and limit disruptions in learning.
According to research, there is a correlation between absenteeism of girl children that coincides with when they get their periods. Studies have been conducted to prove that a lack of sanitary and hygiene products has a negative psycho-social impact on girl children. It impacts their attention, confidence, and comfort.
In a paper written by UNESCO (2016), the gender gap in education increases dramatically around puberty, and is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is critical to undertake initiatives such as this one in order to give girl children a chance to stay in school and not miss lessons.
The initiative aimed to restore dignity and promote healthy living, and ensure that disadvantaged learners have access to basic hygiene essentials that many often lack. Each learner received a care pack containing essential items such as soap, sanitary products, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene necessities, helping them start each day feeling confident, clean, and cared for.
We are honoured to be able to be part of such incredible initiatives. Giving back to others is rewarding because we believe that being socio-economically disadvantaged should not prevent anyone from getting an education.
The school community expressed heartfelt appreciation for the thoughtful gesture, noting the positive difference it continues to make in the day-to-day lives of learners.
