Dis-Chem gives back to the community

Ester Kamati



Dis-Chem Wernhil has made a surprise donation to Abraham Iiyambo Primary School in Havana.

The donation, which was coordinated by Marion Engelbrecht, assisted the girls at the school with pads and other hygiene necessities to the value of roughly N$2 500.

According to Engelbrecht, who is the trainee assistant manager at the Dis-Chem Wernhil branch, the company took on the project last year, with all their branches onboard, including those in South Africa. The company staff often ask customers if they are willing to donate towards the project and buy sanitary pads, in order to aid the girls who are in need.

The first donation was made at the Mount View School in Okahandja Park last year, and this time around, the group visited the Havana informal settlement.

“I feel that this is something good to do for another person who can't afford it,” said Engelbrecht.

“Sanitary pads is something that as a young girl growing up you don't want to worry about. We just want to cater for them,” said Gino Seraun, who is the assistant project coordinator.

He added that although they may not know the financial situation of these young girls, they are honoured to be able to aid them.

“It brings satisfaction knowing that part of your life or that time of the month is covered for.”

Seraun said it is rewarding to be able to reassure another person that they need not worry about a certain problem.

Life skills teacher Rachel Iileka received the donation on behalf of the school and said they are grateful, as not all the girls can afford to buy ­sanitary towels for themselves. She said they appreciate Dis-Chem's efforts to give back to the community.