Tsakani – Ntokozo Twala, founder of Intokozo Educare in Tsakani, hosted a one-day Needy Soup Kitchen on May 30 to provide meals, clothing, and support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Twala said the initiative was inspired by the challenges she witnessed while assisting learners with their schoolwork.

For three years, she has been running an afternoon class in her community where she assists 28 learners in Grade One and above with school-related activities.

“I started the classes because I saw how many learners were struggling with their homework, as some family members could not assist them due to language barriers or limited understanding of schoolwork,” she said.

Twala said the programme welcomes all children, regardless of their financial circumstances.

She explained that those who come from families that can afford to pay contribute, while those from needy families do not pay and that every child is welcome.

According to Twala, one of the biggest challenges he noticed was that many learners arrived at the afternoon classes directly from school without having eaten lunch.

“Most of the learners come straight from school before going home. Many would study on an empty stomach, and we all know that nobody can focus when they are hungry. That is where the idea of a soup kitchen came from,” she said.

Twala also became aware that some children lacked complete school uniforms and wanted to find a way to assist them without placing additional pressure on their families.

The event exceeded her expectations as children arrived in large numbers to enjoy a meal, receive clothing donations and take part in recreational activities.

“I was happy to see new faces and more children than I expected. It showed me how much this soup kitchen was needed. I was overwhelmed with joy to see all the children benefiting,” shared Twala.

Twenty children received clothing, including six who received school shoes and jerseys, while 29 received shoes. The children also enjoyed a jumping castle, soccer games and fresh fruit after their meals.

Parents expressed their appreciation for the initiative and encouraged Twala to continue with similar programmes in the future.

“They wished the soup kitchen could continue so that all children could feel equal without comparing their backgrounds,” she said.

Although community support was limited, as it was the first event of its kind in the area, Twala said several residents contributed clothing and shoes to help make the initiative a success.

Following the success of the soup kitchen, Twala is already planning future outreach programmes.

Her next initiative will focus on empowering young girls by providing puberty education, sanitary pads and hygiene products.

Looking ahead, she encouraged community members not to underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness.

“Once you think about doing something good, get it done. It may seem small to you, but someone else might benefit from it.

“Never belittle your efforts because they can go a long way. We are all trying to become better versions of ourselves,” concluded Twala.

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