Kwa-Thema – Lefa-Ifa Secondary School and Kwa-Thema Hostel Crèche were the beneficiaries of a heartwarming gesture on Mandela Day with both schools getting a new look.

Khalipha Foundation painted and helped clean up the schools to help restore them. This was in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, PRASA Rail – Gauteng Metrorail, Lighthouse Community Centre and the Master BPM Sessions.

The foundation’s founder, Lebohang Mohapi, said, “For us, celebrating Nelson Mandela means putting his words into action.

“Mandela Day is our reminder that when government, business and community pick up a brush together, we are not just painting walls, we are motivating a child, training them for dignity, and exposing them to what is possible.”

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The MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko was present to help transform the schools.
Mohapi highlighted the main issue the initiative aimed to alleviate.

“At both Lefa Ifa and Kwa Thema Hostel Crèche, the main issue was the condition of the learning environment – worn classrooms and spaces that did not reflect the potential of the learners.

“When the environment is neglected, it affects motivation to learn and training outcomes,” she said.

The day started with a welcome and reflections on the Mandela Day theme, “It’s in our hands.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko addressed the community and also handed over clothes and sanitary packs to Lefa-Ifa’s principal, Dr Disekeletso Saboshego for the learners.

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Khalipha Foundation bought the painting materials, and PRASA, represented by Lillian Mofokeng, senior manager of marketing and communications, sponsored additional painting materials, overalls and other materials.

“With our partners Lighthouse Community Centre and The Mastar BPM Sessions, plus volunteers and educators, we painted three academic blocks, did clean-ups, and restored the learning environment,” Mohapi said.

Mohapi encouraged the community to lend a helping hand to make a difference.

“Start where you are, with what you have. A paint brush, an hour, a word of encouragement – that is motivation. A skill shared, a door opened – that is training and exposure,” she concluded.