FAQ's
Understanding CFGSA
What is Caring For Girls South Africa (CFGSA)?
Caring For Girls South Africa is a registered Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to caring for and uplifting young girls in South Africa. At heart, we describe ourselves as Isandla Esiphayo – a South African Nguni name meaning “a giving hand” in English. Our passion lies in restoring the dignity of young girls in townships and rural areas through donating sanitary and hygiene packets, while also providing the necessary tools and care they need to excel as they grow into womanhood.
What is CFGSA’s mission?
We’re rooted in giving. Giving hope, resources and tools to young girls in previously disadvantaged communities. We collaborate with other organisations and individuals who share the same mission to help us fight against period poverty while exposing young girls to menstruation education, career mentorship, and other essential resources that equip them for life after school.
What are CFGSA’s core values?
Our organisation is built on three fundamental values:
- Giving: We actively run sanitary wear drives for schools in townships. The donations are filled with great enthusiasm to empower and sustain the young girls and ensure they don’t miss a day at school because of their period.
- Volunteering: We love to volunteer and offer a helping hand whenever we can. We’re committed to giving everything we can in the places where we live, work and play.
- Education and Mentorship: Educating girls about menstruation and empowering those who are going through it is the right step towards the social development of young women. It’s important that we show our young women that they are not alone on their journey through puberty and young adulthood.
Period Poverty & Menstruation Education
What is period poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, handwashing facilities, and waste management. This challenge affects millions of girls in South Africa, often leading to school absenteeism and decreased educational opportunities. At CFGSA, we believe that no girl should miss school because of her period.
Why is menstruation education important?
Menstruation education is vital because it empowers young girls with knowledge about their bodies, reduces stigma, and helps them manage their periods with dignity. Many girls in disadvantaged communities lack accurate information about menstruation, which can lead to shame, embarrassment, and poor hygiene practices. Our education initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where girls can learn and ask questions without judgment.
How does period poverty affect education?
When girls lack access to sanitary products, they often miss school during their periods, up to 5 days every month. This can result in falling behind academically, decreased confidence, and even dropping out. By providing sanitary wear and education, we’re helping to ensure that girls can attend school consistently and achieve their full potential.
Our Programmes
What programmes does CFGSA offer?
Our programmes focus on holistic support for young girls:
- Sanitary Wear Drives: Regularly distribute sanitary and hygiene packets to schools in townships and rural areas.
- Menstruation Education: Workshops and information sessions about menstrual health and hygiene.
- Career Mentorship: Connecting young girls with professional women who can guide their career aspirations.
- Life Skills Development: Equipping girls with essential skills for their journey to womanhood.
How often do you distribute sanitary products?
We conduct regular sanitary wear drives throughout the year, focusing on schools in townships and rural areas where the need is greatest. The frequency depends on our funding and resources available, but we strive to ensure that girls have consistent access to these essential products.
Do you offer programmes beyond sanitary product distribution?
While addressing period poverty is a core focus, we believe in a holistic approach to supporting young girls. This includes menstruation education, career mentorship, and providing other essential resources that equip them for life after school. We understand empowerment comes through immediate practical support and long-term development opportunities.
Getting Involved
How can I donate to CFGSA?
As Maya Angelou said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Donations of any amount are welcome, and we’re grateful to all supporters and sponsors of CFGSA. All funds donated are used for ongoing projects at the time of donation. You can donate through our website by clicking the “Donate Here” button or contacting us at info@cfgsa.org.za for alternative donation methods.
What items do you need for your sanitary wear drives?
For our sanitary wear drives, we primarily need:
- Sanitary pads
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups (where appropriate)
- Hygiene products (soap, hand sanitiser, etc.)
- Educational materials about menstrual health
We also welcome financial contributions that allow us to purchase these items in bulk and distribute them efficiently.
Can I volunteer with CFGSA?
Absolutely! Volunteering is one of our core values, and we welcome individuals who share our passion for uplifting young girls. Volunteers can assist with sanitary wear drives, menstruation education workshops, mentorship programmes, and various administrative and logistical tasks. Contact us at info@cfgsa.org.za to learn about current volunteering opportunities.
How can organisations partner with CFGSA?
We actively collaborate with organisations and individuals who share our mission. Partnership opportunities include:
- Corporate sponsorships
- Joint programme implementation
- In-kind donations
- Skills-based volunteering
- Awareness campaigns
To discuss potential partnerships, please reach out to us at info@cfgsa.org.za.
Impact & Accountability
How many girls has CFGSA helped?
The impact of our work continues to grow as we reach more schools and communities. For the most up-to-date information on our reach and impact, please visit the “Impact” section of our website or contact us directly.
How does CFGSA ensure accountability for donations?
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to our operations. All funds donated are directed to our ongoing projects, and we maintain detailed records of all distributions and activities. We’re committed to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us and regularly communicate with our donors about how their contributions are making a difference.
How do you measure the success of your programmes?
We measure success through various indicators, including:
- Number of girls receiving sanitary products
- School attendance rates for beneficiaries
- Knowledge improvement after education sessions
- Qualitative feedback from girls, teachers, and parents
- Long-term educational outcomes
These metrics help us continuously improve our programmes and ensure we’re making a meaningful difference in girls’ lives.
Contact Information
How can I contact CFGSA?
You can reach us through:
- Email: info@cfgsa.org.za
- Our website contact form: https://cfgsa.org.za/contact/
- Social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
How can I stay updated about CFGSA’s activities?
To stay informed about our activities, impact, and upcoming events:
- Subscribe to our newsletter on our website
- Follow us on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
- Check our blog regularly for updates and stories
Where is CFGSA based?
While we’re based in South Africa, our specific operational areas focus on townships and rural communities across the country where the need is greatest. For detailed information about our operational locations, please contact us directly.
