KILOMBERO SUGAR BOOSTS GIRLS' EDUCATION WITH SANITARY PADS DONATION

Kilombero District Administrative Secretary, Mr. Abraham Mwaikwila (second left) is joined by Kilombero Sugar’s Human Resource Director, Ms. Diana Mwakitange (third right) in handing over 2,400 pieces of sanitary pads to the Cane Growers Secondary School in Kilombero. The initiative underscores the company's ongoing commitment to combating period poverty and supporting the communities in which it operates. Others in the picture include: - Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr. Victor Byemelwa (second right), Business Affairs Manager, Willa Haonga (right) as well The Cane Growers Secondary School’s Head Teacher, Mr. Yusufu Lauwo (left).

Students of Cane Growers Secondary School proudly display boxes of sanitary pads donated by Kilombero Sugar Company in Kilombero District. This donation, which is part of the 'Period Poverty Eradication Initiative,' highlights the company's continued commitment to combating period poverty and supporting the communities it serves."

30.08.2024, Kilombero-Morogoro: In a significant effort towards enhancing girls' education and promoting menstrual health awareness, Kilombero Sugar Company has donated over 2,400 sanitary pads to female students at Cane Growers Secondary School in Kilombero District.

This initiative underscores the company's ongoing commitment to combating period poverty and supporting the communities in which it operates.

During the donation event, held at Cane Growers Secondary School, Kilombero District Administrative Secretary, Mr. Abraham Mwaikwila, applauded Kilombero Sugar Company’s efforts in supporting the education of young girls. He said, “This generous donation by Kilombero Sugar Company is more than just a contribution—it's a strong show of support for the young women in our district. By providing these sanitary pads, Kilombero Sugar is helping to remove a significant barrier to education. This initiative not only keeps girls in school but also empowers them with the confidence to pursue their dreams uninterrupted. We are truly grateful for this impactful contribution to our community's future."

"Speaking at the handover event, Kilombero Sugar's Human Resource Director, Ms. Diana Mwakitange, stated that Kilombero Sugar is today handing over 2,400 pieces of sanitary pads to the school as part of our business commitment to enriching the community we serve. Mrs. Mwakitange added that she is pleased about 65% of the students at this school are girls, emphasizing the aim to keep girls in school by combating period poverty. She further noted that this initiative aligns with the national agenda to improve girls' education and reduce gender disparities in schools. "By ensuring that girls have access to sanitary pads, we are directly contributing to their academic success and well-being."

On his part, Kilombero Sugar Company's Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Mr. Victor Byemelwa, emphasized on the company's dedication to ensuring that no girl misses school due to her menstrual cycle. "We recognize the challenges that many girls face in managing their menstrual health, especially in underserved communities. Through CSR activities like this, we aim to empower these young girls by providing them with the necessary resources to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity. This is not just about donating pads; it's about fostering an environment where menstrual health is normalized and free of stigma," said Mr. Byemelwa.

Kilombero Sugar Company continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility through initiatives focused on education, health, and community development across Tanzania.

About Kilombero Sugar Company (KSCL)

Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL), is the largest producer of sugar in the country under the strong "Bwana Sukari" brand name. KSCL is part of the Illovo Sugar Africa Group, Africa's biggest sugar producer with extensive agricultural and manufacturing operations in six African countries; including South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia and Tanzania. Illovo Sugar Africa is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF), listed on the London Stock Exchange. Located at Kidatu within Kilombero Valley, the Company operates two agricultural estates and sugar mills; Msolwa and Ruembe located in the Districts of Kilombero and Kilosa respectively and separated by the Great Ruaha River, within Morogoro Region. KSCL has the largest crop estate in Tanzania covering 26,000 hectares; 10,000 ha belonging to KSCL and approximately 16,000 ha from the small holder farmers - Kilombero Growers. The company currently produces 126,000 tons of sugar per annum. The company's supply chain includes approximately 8,000 grower farmers supplying about 600,000 tonnes of cane every year. 45% of the sugarcane crushed by KSCL is supplied by independent farmers; the remaining 55% comes from the company's own land. Over 200 businesses have been registered in the Kilombero valley as a result of this supply chain.

For media inquiries;

Contact: Victor A. Byemelwa
Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager
Kilombero Sugar Company
Email: Vbyemelwa@illovo.co.tz