When Tzvia Hermann, founder of The Laser Beautique, worked as a fundraiser for Afrika Tikkun, she always wondered about how underprivileged girls got through their periods with dignity. Working in townships like Alexandra, Orange Farm, and Diepsloot she could see that girls could not have got the support, supplies, and understanding they needed. Menstrual supplies are not cheap, but for anyone with a period, they are, of course, an absolute necessity.

Sadly, the reality is that they’re a luxury that many girls in South Africa cannot afford. Many people living in poverty resort to using toilet paper, old scraps of fabric or nothing at all and skip school.

Its been 10 years since Tzvia’s full-time work was fundraising for Afrika Tikkun. “Returning to South Africa in 2008 was a turning point for me. I was working in fundraising for a children’s charity in the UK before I returned home. I knew that if I was going to return to Africa for good, I would make sure that I was making a difference.” Says Tzvia. When Tzvia made the decision to return home, she was headhunted by the Lubner family who founded Afrika Tikkun in 1994. Poverty in South Africa is highest for children. 66,8% of children live in poverty. Afrika Tikkun enables young people to become economically empowered.

Afrika Tikkun

Afrika Tikkun was founded in 1994 with the goal of making a difference in South Africa by developing and uplifting young people in underprivileged communities. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be the best that they can be. We are passionate about developing young people together with like-minded partners, through innovative and enterprising ways, to impact the economy of South Africa.

We want to end child poverty and youth unemployment. We do this through a holistic approach that begins in early childhood and ends with productive adults accessing the economy. Our model provides 360° care of the nutrition, health, and social needs of the young person. It also includes personal, leadership and academic development throughout youth; skills development for out-of-school youth; and ultimately work placement. This approach is called our Cradle-to-Career 360° model, and it has earned us recognition for being one of the most impactful organizations in South Africa.

“Afrika Tikkun is one of the most incredible organizations that I have had the opportunity to work with. The dedication of the Lubner family, to uplift and upskill is humbling. I personally believe that the only way our beautiful country is going to make it stronger than ever before is through education and through organizations like Afrika Tikkun who make it possible for corporates to give and uplift responsibly” says Hermann.  It is estimated that girls between the ages of 12 and 18 in disadvantaged areas can miss up to a quarter of their schooling when menstruating because they do not have access to adequate sanitary protection, or are unable to afford them. The distribution of sanitary towels in areas affected can have a practical impact on school attendance.

Mandela Day 2019 is the day that marks TLBs partnership with Afrika Tikkun in assisting girls in need. TLB is urging all their clients, staff and suppliers to become a blood sister. Becoming a blood sister is easy. Simply donate any menstrual supplies at any TLB branch!

All supplies are donated to Afrika Tikkun who distribute supplies through their Youth Development Centres.

Where are the drop-in centers?

Drop off any menstrual supplies at any Laser Beautique branch. Branches are situation nationally: (click here to view locations)

What is best to donate?

It’s always best to donate pads and Tampax as cups are difficult to use. Please please don’t send us single pads/tampons or open packs. Also, please only send new packs, as believe it or, period products expire!