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As seen in Part One, a lot and more has been said about teaching little girls about menstruation, hygiene, and social taboos associated with it and such, but seldom do we talk about how to enlighten our little boys on this topic. Don’t you think it is as important for us to teach our sons in a very healthy way about the concept of menstruation? Isn’t that also one of the most important steps towards eradicating the social taboos that still exist in our society regarding menstruation? Half the population has periods, so why not make sure the half that doesn’t is also informed? Every boy should learn about period education.  This is in part why a recent report has called for boys, as well as girls, to learn about periods and the menstrual cycle at school. Plan International, the charity behind the report, suggests there is a need to talk more about the issue as many girls feel embarrassed – with the menstrual cycle tarnished with stigma and taboo.  Their findings al...

Fact: People with periods menstruate monthly for about 40 years - close to 500 times in a lifetime.  Fact: Not talking about periods creates confusion, oppression, and societal harm.  It is important to talk about menstrual health, society has for too long made it a taboo. Menstruation, despite being a completely natural and common occurrence for young girls and women for as long as our species has existed is one of the most misunderstood and feared phenomena. MANY girls believe that periods are a burden to be borne every month, silently and in shame. Society is complicit in teaching girls that menstruation is a dirty little secret. The messaging about periods is that they are best suffered quietly and that they are certainly not appropriate for polite conversation. Normalise Menstruation - by Hey Ellen  It is critical for both girls and boys to know that having your period is a natural  and important part of gr...

The New Year is here which means it is time for you and your family to set resolutions. You probably think, why does my child need resolutions ?  When it comes to children, achieving goals or resolutions can play a critical role in developing healthy self-esteem and confidence. Start by explaining to your child first what a resolution means, and give examples of ones you have set in past years.  Just keep in mind that resolutions should always be discussed in a positive way with children. For example: Saying "I'm going to do this..." instead of "I'm going to stop doing this."  If your child suggests well-intentioned but vague ideas like "Be a better friend" or "Be healthier," try to help them filter those ideas into tangible actions that can be done every day, either by themselves or together as a family.  Try using the SMART method with setting resolutions: S = Specific Let's say your child wants to get better grad...

By Nosipho Nxumalo  Edited by Candice Chirwa  Meet Thandi. Thandi is a smart, bubbly and kind girl. Little Thandi came back from school one day and was so excited that she had been chosen as the new grade 3R class monitor. Miss Zulu told her peers that "Thandi is a good example, children! You must strive to be like her!"  It was true! Little Thandi was truly a good example of a well-groomed student. The next day, little Thandi was attending her physical education class and they were busy having fun when a boy from her class yelled “Thandi! How can you be a good example, when you can’t even pass the ball right!” and everyone burst out into bubbles of laughter. Thandi felt so bad and that the following day little Thandi was late for school and Miss Zulu said to Little Thandi: "Thandi! As the class monitor, you should always be on time. You are supposed to be setting a good example!"  Later that evening before little Thandi went to bed; she thought...

By Candice Chirwa & Josh Nel South Africa is a country that has a rich and diverse history which influences the social and political contemporary issues that are deeply contested today. Despite these challenges, we have a total population of 55.6 million people, 36.2% of which are young people. However, the youth face the great burden of lacking critical engagement skill with socio-political issues that affect them. Through a series of blog posts, Qrate will discuss and tackle various social issues that as an organization believes that children should be open-minded towards and willing to hold discussions amongst their peers, teachers, and parents. These blog posts will be helpful for parents, guardians, and teachers to engage in discussions with the youth of today. Our first blog post is centered on understanding the importance of critical thinkers for young children. What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking consists of different skills that help us learn ...