A young South African teen is improving the lives of many young women after asking her friends and family to donate her sweet 16th birthday presents.
Avantika Naidoo is a 16-year-old who truly understands the meaning of a gift. In lieu of presents for her birthday in January, Avantika asked that family and friends rather donate towards the purchase of Subz Pants and Pads, a reusable sanitary product that could positively change the lives of young women, such as herself.
“Leading up to my sixteenth birthday, my mom (Pregashnie) and I decided to make a difference in the lives of teenage girls,” explained the Grade 10 Rustenburg Girls’ High School pupil.
“We wanted something that would empower them to continue their education and excel during the natural process of menstruation, because statistics indicate that girls miss out school when they don’t have access sanitary pads. During my research, I had come across Project Dignity and their work within communities providing reusable sanitary pads which ensure that girls remain in school.”
Project Dignity – the non-profit extension of Subz Pants and Pads – was established by product founder, Sue Barnes, as a way to distribute sponsored packs of reusable sanitary pads and specially designed cotton panties to young women in disadvantaged communities.
Every donation is accompanied by an informative talk on the female body, providing youngsters with a safe platform to ask any questions they might otherwise not have broached.
Avantika said it was for these reasons, as well as the product’s inherent environmentally sustainable qualities, that she decided to contribute towards Project Dignity.
“I sent out a message asking for the contribution of funds to purchase Subz Pants and Pads,” said Avantika. “I also asked that they forward the request on to their contacts. The feedback I received from this initiative showed that many people were unaware of the challenges faced by so many young women.”
Avantika managed to raise about R5 000 in total, allowing her to buy 32 Subz packs, 17 of which were donated to residents at St George’s Girls’ Home and 15 of which were delivered to girls attending Kerria Primary School in Atlantis.
For her act of selfless generosity and raising awareness about the plight of these youngsters, Avantika has been nominated as a Youth Hero for Lead SA for the month of March.
“My celebration was in the form of distributing these Subz packs to a group of girls at St George’s Girls’ Home,” said the young philanthropist. “I also distributed goodie bags with motivational scriptures and metaphorical objects. The reaction from the girls was amazing. They were truly grateful.”
Avantika said she puts a lot of emphasis on giving back to the community.
“Many people take things for granted, not realising others are in need of basic necessities. If we all work together we can make a difference and have a better and brighter future. The small things we do now can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
“It’s like planting a seed and providing the water it needs to grow and bloom. I plan to continue raising funds where possible, because this is an ongoing need. My mom is also now a volunteer at Project Dignity, assisting in the Western Cape.”
Commenting on her daughter’s generous act, Pregashnie said: “I’m blessed to have a daughter who is truly compassionate about the needs of fellow girls. She understands that a combined effort is far-reaching.”
Sue Barnes, founder of Project Dignity, said they are delighted to have Pregashnie and Avantika on board. “We marvel at the heart of Avantika and look forward to many happy activations with this dynamic mother-daughter team,” said Barnes.
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