By Emily Setona
HARRISMITH – For many young girls in Makholokoeng, the International Day of the Girl Child was more than just a celebration, but a day of awakening, confidence, and empowerment. Learners said they left the event determined to value their education and make wiser life choices.
Grade 7 pupils from Vulindlela Public School – Rethabile Motaung, Dudu Gumbi, and Lebohang Mokoena – said the event’s messages struck a deep chord.
“We were encouraged to choose ourselves and not rush into relationships. We also learned that our future depends on how much we focus on education and self-respect,” they said.
Held on 10 October 2025 at the Makholokoeng Community Hall, the event was hosted by the Makholokoe Traditional Council and attended by 210 girl learners. Each participant received a hygiene pack and participated in motivational sessions focused on discipline, confidence, and determination.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional council, Morena Paulus Moloi highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in nurturing children’s moral and emotional growth.
“As Marena, we must spend more time with our children. We cannot stand by while our daughters lose their futures. It begins with love, presence, and education,” he said.
Educators welcomed the initiative as a powerful reinforcement of their classroom lessons. Evodia Mthimkhulu, a Life Skills and Life Orientation teacher from Nexus Primary School, said the collaboration between schools and traditional structures was vital.
“It takes a village to raise a child. We are grateful for initiatives like this; they remind our girls of their value and teach them to walk with pride,” she said.
The event drew support from teachers, NGOs, health professionals, local institutions, and traditional authorities, all united in the mission to empower girls and protect their potential.
The celebration showed that when communities work together, providing mentorship, education, and care, young girls are inspired to recognize their worth and shape their own futures with confidence and hope.
