Partnership to improve the lives of learners
South African Life Improvement Charitable Trust (SALICT) invited other organisations in improving the lives of learners from Palm Ridge Primary School through its eye-care project.
Learners excel and do well in a classroom when they learn without distractions.
SALICT lived up to its mission of improving lives while focusing on health and well-being by hosting a free vision screening to learners of Palm Ridge Primary School.
Alberton Lions Club joined SALICT at the screening process at the school on May 16 and 18, testing 744 learners on both days.
The vision screening was done to determine what learners required eye tests by a qualified optometrist.
Rajesh Ramdass of SALICT said they aim to provide vision screening, testing and offering spectacles to those requiring it at no cost.
He said they are planning to screen all 1 900 learners of the school.
“Optometrist and owner, Doreen Machetele of Vision Centre Thokoza will then do the testing for SALICT of learners and issue scripts to learners needing spectacles. Sri Sathya Sai Global Council Centre of Palm Ridge will be the project lead,” he said.
Ramdass reiterated that SALICT will purchase and issue spectacles for free, with basic frames and scripted lenses as determined by the optometrist.
“This was conducted so that learners do not deteriorate in their learning. The idea is to rectify this as early as possible so that they do not have difficulties in furthering their studies. It was assisting learners that cannot afford this service,” Ramdass said.
Sandy King of Alberton Lions Club told the RECORD they have five pillars of service, with the biggest one being vision.
She said they voluntarily extend their services to schools and old age homes.
Acting principal, Sinthamalar Pillay thanked SALICT and the Lions Club for the wonderful initiative and generous gesture.
“On behalf of the school management team, staff, learners and the SGB of Palm Ridge Primary School we would like to express our heartfelt thanks. The testing has benefited almost 1 000 learners. Staff, SGB and learners in need of spectacles will have the opportunity of receiving it at no cost,” she said.
Pillay said this in itself speaks volumes about the two organisations involved.
