Empowering young women

NELSON Mandela Bay schools gathered at Stephen Mazungula primary school in New Brighton for the launch of out reach programmes by Bright future.

A programme, sponsored by Absa and Johnson & Johnson, focuses on the reproductive health and economic health of the pupils.

Dr Paul Cromhout, managing director of small projects foundation said the programme started in 2008 in the Eastern Cape. Since then it has won the United Nation's award for best public service programme for promoting gender empowerment in 2012.

"We champion the support of girls and pupils, and also support the teachers in life orientation. We give them the skills to succeed and at the same time empower girls to own their bodies and encourage them to finish school."

The pupils from various schools performed different activities, from singing to acting. They taught others about how to take care of their developing bodies. They also sang about what is it that they want for their future.

One of the teachers from Saphire primary school, Nontuthuzelo Magwa Fesi said: "When Bright future came to us they realised that the kids knew nothing about puberty ... The launch will enable to change the children's lives."

Absa corporate social investment manager Andy De-La-Mare said they looked to equip the kids with economic skills necessary to either find employment or start their own income generating initiatives. - Yoliswa Sobuwa