Local woman has successful mission to South Africa

Girls in Mokopane with their hygiene bags
Photo by Donna Eggen

Shoreline resident Donna Eggen just completed a two week mission to South Africa. She was in Mokopane, in Limpopo Province, the far northeast corner of the country.

She went there on behalf of DAYS FOR GIRLS. Founded by Celeste Mergens of Lynden, Washington, it is an organization of people around the world who make and distribute washable / reusable cotton feminine hygiene kits to girls and women who do not have access to this very essential need. Disposable products are often unavailable or unaffordable in the third world. Therefore, girls and women must stay home during their time of month and thus miss school or work.

Donna says, “I have been sewing kits for three years and dreaming of a chance to personally give them out. This trip was a dream come true”.

Photo by Donna Eggen

The group of 12 women from America, assisted by half a dozen local women, distributed 1,525 kits! They went to three large high schools, three small churches, and even a women’s prison.

“We did not just hand them kits” says Donna, “We talked about basic sex education, reminded them of their own strength, and encouraged them to make good choices. Then we explained the use and care of the kits."

With proper care the kits will last for three years. The people there are trying to become self-sustaining by training local women to make the kits.

Donna Eggen walking with lions in Africa
Photo courtesy Donna Eggen

The distribution of the kits was all the mission group hoped it would be; and then they did have some fun extracurricular activities too, including WALKING WITH LIONS!

“That was so exciting”, says Donna, “to be walking along holding onto a lion’s tail”!

They also went on a photo safari and got to experience elephants very “up close and personal”.

“All in all a very rewarding and also very humbling time”, says Donna.

For further information, see Days For Girls