Seoul:Zambezi The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has donated sanitary pads and toiletries to learners at Nankutwe Combined School in the flood-prone Kabbe South Constituency of the Zambezi Region. The donation, valued at N$55,000, was handed over by Major General Aktofel Nambahu, representing the Chief of the NDF, Air Marshal Martin Pinehas.

According to NAMPA, Pinehas highlighted that seasonal flooding in the area disrupts infrastructure and affects young girls, making basic hygiene items an unaffordable luxury for displaced families. He emphasized that many girls miss up to a week of school each month or drop out entirely and added that the donation also includes toiletries for male students to address absenteeism caused by hygiene shortages.

The relief operation is a collaborative effort involving the military's internal organs and commercial entities, including the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs Women's Network and August 26 Logistics, which facilitated the transport and distribution of items. A similar donation is planned for Muzii Combined School later this week.

Pinehas urged the leadership and teaching staff at Nankutwe to ensure the transparent and equitable distribution of supplies to the most vulnerable students. He encouraged young girls to resist the stigma surrounding menstruation, stressing that their physical cycles are natural and should not be a reason for shame or absenteeism from school.

Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, along with acting Education Director Shando Sinvula, officially received the donation for Nankutwe. The governor praised the NDF for their timely assistance as learners prepare for their final examinations and called for effective and transparent distribution of the items.

Nankutwe principal Oliver Mubiana, along with Grade 9 learners Sinte Mwiya and Mutabani Chilinda, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its timely arrival.