A teenage activist and beauty pageant contestant has augmented her teenage pregnancy programme by donating sanitary products to two primary schools in Bloemfontein.
Naledi Molotsi (14) presented essential hygiene products to the Batho and Mabeoana primary schools on 28 August.
She drives the initiative through the Ka Nako Foundation.
Naledi explained to her peers that she had initiated the impactful teenage programme as part of her reign as Ms Pre-Teen World South Africa 2023. The pageant is for girls ten to 12 years old.
The Spar group supported the young activist by donating additional sanitary items, in the spirit alleviating girl learners’ plight.
Surveys have revealed that teenage girls during their menstrual cycle miss about 50% to 70% of learning time due to not having access to sanitary products.
Naledi’s advocacy is originally pinned on the prevention of teenage suicide and teen pregnancy.
She advises her peers to believe in themselves and that anything is achievable with focus, further encouraging them focus on education.
The Free State Department of Education reported a 13,3% increase in the rate of pregnancies involving girls between ten and 14 years during 2021-’22, in addition to the Department of Social Development’s report that about 3 383 girls in the Free State gave birth during the 2022-’23 term.
Naledi is leading by example as an ambassador. She will represent the Free State at this year’s Ms Teen Universe SA beauty pageant’s national crowning, scheduled to be held in Johannesburg in December.
