MASERU – Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso on Friday donated 158 sanitary towels to girls at ’Matikoe LECSA High School during an event held at the school premises in Qeme Ha ’Mants’ebo.
The initiative, organised through the ’Hlokomela Banana Foundation under the Queen’s National Trust Fund, aims among others to fight the cycle of period poverty in the country.
Speaking at the event, Queen ’Masenate said her visit to ’Matikoe was long overdue, noting that she had always wished to personally visit the school and donate sanitary towels to help girls focus on their studies and restore their confidence during menstruation.
She urged both boys and girls to maintain cleanliness and openly discuss menstrual hygiene and health in order to better deal with its effects.
“There is nothing to be ashamed of as this is nature, not a choice. That is why schools should provide a safe space for girls during their menses,” she said.
The Queen also appealed to learners and youth across the country to fight against drug and substance abuse, saying it destroys the future of the nation.
Representing the Minister of Education and Training, Deputy Principal Secretary Ms Refiloe Kepa encouraged learners at ’Matikoe to work harder and produce quality results at the end of the year as a way of appreciating the Queen’s gesture.
School Principal Mr Thapelo Maieane said beneficiaries of the donation should introspect and maintain good behaviour while taking care of their sexual and reproductive health.
He added that the initiative contributes towards easing educational challenges faced by learners by promoting good hygiene.
Accepting the donation on behalf of learners, Tumelo Monesa said the sanitary towels would help restore the dignity of girls and enable them to learn freely and concentrate in class, especially those from underprivileged families.
He thanked the Queen for the gesture, saying it was the first royal visit to the school and a sign that ’Matikoe was regaining recognition.
Monesa also appealed to boys to protect girls against all forms of abuse, particularly during menstruation.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Qeme, Mr Sello Hakane, noted that the school lacks proper toilet facilities, adding that he would work together with the Ministry of Education and Training and the school to address the challenge.
The event was marked by various entertainment activities, including mokhibo performances.
’Matikoe LECSA High School is situated in the southern part of Maseru in Qeme Ha ’Mants’ebo and has an enrolment of over 200 learners.
’Hlokomela Banana Foundation was established in 2015 and has since been distributing sanitary towels to learners across the country. In 2024, the foundation donated 262 sanitary towels, while 158 were distributed in both 2025 and 2026.
ends/ AM/BM
