From one school to another, Thusong Youth Centre in Alexandra is spreading love… One donation at a time.

The centre recently led a heartfelt drive to East Bank High School, ensuring that learners most in need received school uniforms they had quietly yearned for.

Read more: Thusong Youth Centre donation drive restores learners’ right to education and dignity

Centre manager Mirriam Kgasi explained that the initiative was born out of witnessing the dire circumstances many children live under. Learners who take part in the centre’s youth programmes would often arrive without proper clothing. “A child would come with shoes that have holes, and some come with torn clothes. When you sit them down to assess, you realise the family background is very bad.”

Moved by these realities, the centre saw it fit to show love by giving learners what they need most. “It is these circumstances that prompted the centre to target all the schools in the community. That is why we came here to East Bank High, to give these learners school trousers.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Thusong Youth Centre manager Mirriam Kgasi says their uniform donation drive was prompted by the needs they observed among learners who attend programmes at the centre, many arriving with torn clothes or worn-out shoes. #Alex #Thusong ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Also read: Thusong motivates Alex youth to take charge of their future

Kgasi believes the donations mark a significant step in ensuring that learners feel the warmth of love. The aim is to help them focus on their studies, rather than the hardships at home. “Most parents do not work, some are ill, and some children no longer have parents. They are taken care of by grandparents who survive solely on a SASSA grant, and it is not enough.”

The gesture was warmly welcomed by East Bank’s school governing body chairperson Arthur Katlego Mogwere, who praised the initiative for restoring pride and dignity among learners. “The initiative is very good, because it is also bringing dignity back to the learners in general. Remember, some of these learners are not from the same background, and others encounter daily challenges.”

He noted that the donation has brought smiles to learners’ faces and ensured that all of them will now wear the same uniform, fostering unity and confidence.

Through small yet heartfelt acts of kindness, Thusong Youth Centre continues to spread love across Alexandra.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!