Time Square staff tackle period poverty to keep girls in school

Sanitary towel drive brings dignity to Bodubelo Primary School learners

Employees at Time Square have demonstrated their commitment to making a difference within the Pretoria community. In an inspiring act of compassion, staff members took the initiative to support learners affected by period poverty (the lack of access to sanitary products), which continues to hinder the education of many young girls in South Africa.

After learning about the challenges faced by girl learners at Bodubelo Primary School, specifically, employees organised a drive to collect and purchase sanitary towels. The casino

complemented the employee’s efforts by matching their donations, resulting in a total of 674 sanitary towels donated to the school.

According to Global Citizen, approximately 3.7 million South African girls cannot afford sanitary products, and research from Stellenbosch University indicates that around 30% of girls miss school during menstruation. For Bodubelo Primary, in an underprivileged community where many families depend on social grants, sanitary products are often viewed as a luxury. This has a direct impact on school attendance and learner confidence.

For generations, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, shame and myths, says the website Asante Africa Foundation. From being seen as “unclean” to being forced to miss school, or stay isolated during their periods, girls all over Africa have faced enormous barriers because of a natural biological occurrence. However, the narrative is beginning to change.

“We at Time Square are deeply concerned about this and motivated to do anything we can to assist these girls,” says Ruben Gooranah, Time Square General Manager. “By addressing the problem and taking steps to remedy it, it assists in the pursuit of education and dignified attendance at classes.”

Driven by empathy and teamwork, departments within the casino engaged in collecting the products—some opting to raise funds to purchase pads, others to provide pads directly.

The sanitary products will be stored and distributed monthly to identified learners at

the school, ensuring ongoing support.

“The learners are grateful and relieved to receive these donations, which will allow them to maintain dignity in the classroom and thus strengthen their ability to be present and to boost their studies,” said Bodubelo Primary principal Masilu Gideon Malatji. “Thank you Time Square, for making a difference in these young lives.”

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