A school day comes with enough to think about: homework, friendships, tests, speaking up in class and figuring out where you fit in.
Worrying about whether you have sanitary pads or the everyday products you need to feel comfortable should not have to be another thing on that list.
That is where Busy Girl Confidence begins.
Created by Linley Fermor, Mrs Mpumalanga 2026 finalist and founder of Linley Planet Agency, this initiative brings together practical hygiene essentials and honest conversations about confidence, self-worth and growing up.
Our first proposed visit is to Thembeka Secondary School in KaNyamazane, Mpumalanga, where the school has confirmed that 520 girls are enrolled.
We are gathering supplies, approaching sponsors and working with the school to arrange a visit that leaves the girls with something useful in their hands and something encouraging to take with them.
Why Everyday Essentials Matter
When you have pads, soap and deodorant readily available, it is easy to forget how much reassurance those small things can bring.
For a girl who does not have consistent access to them, an ordinary school day can come with extra worries. Am I prepared for my period? Will someone notice? Who can I ask for help?
We do not assume that every girl at Thembeka faces the same circumstances. We want to offer practical support in a way that feels welcoming, without asking girls to explain their personal situations in order to receive it.
A care bag will not solve every challenge a girl faces. But it can meet an immediate need and show her that someone has thought about her comfort and wellbeing.
Confidence Begins With How We See Ourselves
Busy Girl Confidence carries the message:
Everything You’re Allowed To Be.
For the girls, that means having room to grow, ask questions, recognise their strengths and try something even when they feel unsure.
Confidence does not mean being the loudest person in the room. It might mean putting up your hand in class, asking for a product you need, setting a boundary or entering an opportunity you would usually talk yourself out of.
The proposed school session will make space for those conversations, alongside an approachable discussion about everyday hygiene and menstrual care.
The aim is to offer encouragement the girls can use in their own lives, without pretending that everyone’s circumstances are the same.
Our First Proposed School Visit
We are working towards visiting Thembeka Secondary School between 20 and 23 October 2026, with the final date and arrangements still being agreed with the school.
The proposed programme includes a one-hour conversation, followed by a personal care-bag handover.
During the session, we plan to discuss:
- Everyday personal hygiene and menstrual care.
- Self-worth and recognising your strengths.
- Speaking up and participating at school.
- Small actions to take when you feel uncertain.
- Questions from the girls, with an option to submit them anonymously.
Linley and her support team will pack the care bags and personally distribute them alongside school staff.
Any photographs featuring learners will follow the school’s permission and consent requirements. Receiving a care bag will never depend on being photographed.
What We Are Collecting
Our collection target is:
600 sealed packs of sanitary pads
600 individually wrapped soap bars
600 unused roll-on deodorants
Each completed care bag will contain one of each product.
The school has confirmed 520 girls. Our target of 600 of each product provides a buffer, and any supplies remaining after the handover will be allocated in consultation with the school. We will report where those products go.
We are seeking both product donations and financial contributions to help complete the collection.
How You Can Help
You do not need to fund the whole project to be part of it.
Make a Financial Contribution
A contribution of R50, R100, R200 or any amount you are comfortable with can help us purchase the products still needed.
Financial contributions will go towards the hygiene products and necessary costs of preparing and delivering the care bags. We will share a breakdown of how the funds are used.
Donate Products
We welcome sealed packs of sanitary pads, individually wrapped soap bars and unused roll-ons.
If you would like to donate products, please contact Linley to arrange collection or delivery. Keeping products in their original packaging helps us count and pack them properly.
Become a Business Sponsor
Businesses can sponsor a product category, contribute towards an order or help with bags, printing and transport.
Sponsor recognition can include campaign mentions, social media tags and thank-you content featuring the donated products and handover. The details will be agreed with each sponsor.
If sponsored bags are secured, we also plan to include one sticker on each bag featuring all confirmed sponsor logos.
Share the Campaign
Sharing the campaign can connect us with someone who has products to donate, a business willing to sponsor or a person who wants to contribute.
A personal introduction can also help us reach the right person more quickly.
Our Timeline
We are aiming to receive financial and product contributions by 16 October 2026, allowing time to purchase outstanding supplies and prepare the bags.
Our goal is to have the care bags packed by 19 October, ahead of the proposed school visit between 20 and 23 October.
The final handover will depend on the products secured and arrangements confirmed with the school. We will keep supporters updated as the plans come together.
Keeping You Updated
We want supporters to see what their contributions make possible.
Campaign updates will show funds received, products collected, purchases made and quantities handed over. We will distinguish confirmed donations from pledges so our progress reflects what is actually available.
After the visit, we will share the outcome and explain how any remaining supplies or funds will be used.
A Personal Message From Linley
“I know how easy it is to wait until you feel more confident before saying yes to something. But sometimes confidence grows because you take that first step.
With Busy Girl Confidence, I want to give the girls practical support and encouragement to recognise what they have to offer. I hope they leave feeling comfortable asking for what they need and more willing to take the opportunities in front of them.
I’m doing the organising and packing, but getting enough products together takes help. Every contribution brings us closer.”
Linley Fermor
Mrs Mpumalanga 2026 Finalist
Founder of Busy Girl Confidence and Linley Planet Agency
Help Us Prepare the Care Bags
If you would like to donate, sponsor or help with collection, please get in touch.
WhatsApp: 071 707 9441
Email: sales@linleyplanet.co.za
Please contribute by 20 October 2026.
A pack of pads, a bar of soap and a roll-on are simple things. Together with a thoughtful conversation, they are a practical place to start.