Kilombero Sugar, Illovo Sugar Africa Donate sanitary pads to Mieresini Secondary School

Marangu. Kilombero Sugar along with other Illovo Sugar Africa subsidiaries, joins hands under the Kilimanjaro Expeditions Initiative to handover 2400 pieces of sanitary pads to Mieresini Secondary School ahead of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The initiative involves 17 climbers from 8 different countries of operation within the ABF Sugar Group who have been selected to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. The expedition is in honor of the Mandela legacy and aims specifically to raise funds and awareness for addressing period poverty and keeping girls in school in the ABF Sugar operatives' surroundings.

Speaking at the handover event held at Mieresini Secondary School, Kilombero Sugar's Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr. Victor Byemelwa, elaborated that the expedition aims to raise funds towards a program addressing Period Poverty in a local Tanzanian community and other communities across our operations and to raise awareness of this cause.

The aim is to showcase diversity and inclusion through the participation of various climbers in this group and to highlight the beauty of Tanzania as the host country for this group and to emphasize Mt. Kilimanjaro as a tourist attraction with a conscience.

On the other hand, the Commercial Director for Kilombero Sugar, Fimbo Butallah, stated that Kilombero Sugar, together with other ABF Sugar subsidiaries, is today handing over 2400 pieces of sanitary pads to the school as part of our business commitment to thriving the community we serve. Mr. Butallah added that he is pleased that about 60% of the students at this school are girls, emphasizing the aim to keep girls in school by combating period poverty. He shared plans to continue addressing this agenda by donating to other schools in different regions in the following months.

Addressing the audience, The Moshi District Commissioner, and the guest of honor for the event Hon. Zephania Stephen Sumaye, highlighted that the government is always ready and supportive of all stakeholders who support the government agenda, including the education sector. He stated, 'Today, I extend my sincere gratitude to Kilombero Sugar for engaging with the community in such a unique way.'

Receiving the 2400 pieces of sanitary pads, the Headmaster of Mieresini Secondary School, Prosper August Mosha, expressed the school community's gratitude for the donation, emphasizing that it came at the right moment and served its intended purpose. The school welcomes initiatives like this from other stakeholders to ensure we continue to create a conducive studying environment.