PADME
For many of us, buying sanitary pads is as easy as buying bread and milk. But this is not the case for millions of women in South Africa. They are at a permanent disadvantage as they are unable to afford this basic necessity when they give birth.
The concept of Padme was birthed after becoming aware of the high infant mortality rate in South Africa. After considerable research the realisation some of the main reasons for the infant mortality rate were identified as poor hygiene, as well as, lack of education and information on how to care for new borns. Hence, the aim of Padme is to supply all new mothers in state hospitals with basic health care products to care for herself and her new baby.
At this stage distribution is on a monthly basis at Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in the West Rand, Johannesburg.
The following contents are included in the care kit: Aqueous Cream, Cotton wool, Surgical spirits, Sanitary pads, Baby soap, Face soap (for mom), Face cloth x2 mom and baby, Tooth brush, Tooth paste, Nipple cream, Bum cream, 10 new born disposable nappies and baby clothing
OUR MISSION: To ensure that every new mom and baby in Government hospitals throughout South Africa receive the minimum basic toiletries needed after giving birth.
VISION: To reduce the high infant mortality rate in South Africa.
OUR GOAL: To ensure that each new born, that is born in a South African government hospital, gets a good start in life from the second he or she is born.
OUR AIM: To secure the necessary sponsorships and partnerships in order to provide the following essentials to new moms, on a continuous basis, at all government hospitals throughout South Africa: Content of bag: – Aqueous Cream; Cotton wool; Surgical spirits; Savlon; Sanitary pads; Baby soap; Face soap (for mom); Face cloth x2 mom and baby; Tooth brush; Tooth paste; Nipple cream; Bum cream; 10 new born disposable nappies and baby clothing.
You can make a difference in the life of a woman by getting involved with the Padme Project. You will join hands and hearts with Christ followers who serve in South Africa
Contact: Elsie: 072 317 9586 or Pappas on 078 932 9954 or alternatively, Phumzile at 011 958 1392 for more info.
You can also drop any donations off at Alice Art Gallery Ruimsig.
Thank you and may God bless you and keep you safe.
Founder of PADME – Phumzile Nxumalo
I was born and buttered in Muldersdrift in 1981. Grew up on a farm called Jexter in Muldersdrift. Completed my school career in the West of Krugersdorp. After school I completed my studies at a college in Johannesburg, majoring in fashion and design, of which I hold a diploma in fashion and design.
Seven years ago I started working at an art gallery in the Johannesburg area. After waitressing there I worked myself up to a manager position. However, as hard as it was working, God was speaking to me about starting up a project called PADME. In the middle of 2015 I visited various hospitals and realised that some of the mothers who had just given birth don’t have the necessary clothes for their newborn babies. Clients at the art gallery started to donate baby clothes and other essentials to the new mothers. Starting this project my aim was to give back to the community since I knew how I grew up, walking to school barefoot sometimes without food in my stomach. So, giving back to my community was for me to help young girls with sanitary pads.
For many of us buying sanitary pads is as easy as buying bread and milk, but this is not the case for young girls in South Africa. The girls are at a permanent disadvantage as they are unable to afford the basic necessities. Therefore PADME was birthed.
In 2015 the project took off as clients started donating sanitary pads in bulk at the gallery I was working at. I decided to visit the surrounding schools often to donate the sanitary pads. It became a continuous effort each month. I came up with an initiative that each year on my Birthday, I wouldn’t receive gifts from anyone personally, but would rather have them buy school shoes for Gr1’s and Gr2’s, which is still running to this day. All the girls in my area know that my door is always open for them to receive sanitary pads.
I am honoured that I am able to help young girls with bright futures and I hope that God can continue helping me by giving me the grace and strength to build up the generations to come.
“Not the end, but only the beginning.“
– Phumzile –
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