Engen’s ‘We Care Campaign’ brings dignity and confidence to Wittedrift Primary learners
100 learners at Wittedrift Primary School in Plettenberg Bay are now better equipped to manage their health with dignity and confidence, following Engen’s 2026 We Care Campaign activation held on Tuesday, 24 February.
Hosted on the school grounds in Wittedrift, the campaign saw learners receive reusable sanitary pad packs designed to provide long-term support - helping ensure that menstruation does not stand in the way of girls’ education - while boys in need were handed dignity health packs (with toiletries, socks, cleaning products and other essentials) to support their wellbeing and personal development.
The activation was led in partnership with local Engen dealer Kgopolo Andrika Petlele of Engen Engen Plett One Stop, who engaged directly with learners and school staff during the handover.
“As a woman, a mom and a business leader in this community, I understand how something as natural as menstruation can become a barrier if girls are not properly supported,” said Andrika Petlele.
“I also do not take it lightly that boys require nurturing to develop into responsible, non-violent and productive men. When we give young boys and girls the dignity tools, and knowledge to manage their health with confidence, we’re not just supporting their education - we’re affirming their worth and potential. Matthew 8:23 speaks about Jesus calming the storm.
In our own way, Engen helps calm the storm of insufficiency, unworthiness and low self-esteem, and bringing back attention and focus to education. This It was incredibly meaningful to witness the confidence and gratitude on the learners’ faces today,” she added.
Through its partnership with Proudly South African brand Palesa Pads, Engen donated sanitary pad packs including a range of non-toxic reusable pads suited to different flow needs, along with a practical cleaning kit to ensure safe, hygienic and sustainable use. The reusable pads can be used for up to five years, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable products and supporting learners throughout their high school years.
In addition, dignity health packs were provided to boys in need, reinforcing the campaign’s inclusive approach to learner wellbeing and recognising that holistic development requires support for both girls and boys.
The campaign reflects the strong collaboration between Engen’s Retail team and its dealer network, with dealers deeply embedded in the communities they serve and working closely with Retail to drive meaningful, localised impact.
South Africa continues to face significant challenges around period poverty, with many girls missing school each month due to a lack of access to sanitary products. By providing reusable solutions, dignity packs and health education, Engen’s We Care Campaign addresses both the practical and social barriers that learners face.
“Access to menstrual care is not a luxury; it’s essential,” said Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager. “When girls are forced to miss school due to period poverty, it impacts their confidence, academic progress and long-term opportunities. At the same time, supporting boys with dignity resources and positive development tools strengthens communities as a whole. This activation at Wittedrift Primary forms part of our broader commitment to ensuring that young people can stay in school and thrive.”
The Plettenberg Bay activation forms part of Engen’s 2026 national rollout, which is expected to reach approximately 800 learners across multiple provinces.
Through initiatives such as the We Care Campaign, Engen continues to drive meaningful social impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
Supplied by: Engen.
Guzzle Media