What began as community service for Jeppe High School for Girls learner Taitum Black has grown into a personal mission of compassion, generosity and giving back to the community.

Taitum was recently celebrated by her peers for the work she is doing in the community. The school’s headmistress, Sybil Bhagwan, hailed her as an inspiration.

She started her journey at the Motherly Play and Learn Centre in Edenvale two years ago, intending to complete her community service.

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Spending time at the centre quickly opened her eyes to the realities faced by the children and the people who care for them.

Instead of simply completing her hours and walking away, Taitum saw a need and decided to do something about it.

The centre is built on a simple but important principle: mothers are charged only what they can afford.
Keeping the doors open comes with enormous challenges.

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Taitum soon noticed that the centre lacked many of the resources that children need to learn and enjoy their environment.

“There were times when something as basic as crayons and stationery were in short supply,” she said.

Taitum took it upon herself to approach people and organisations for donations that could help transform the centre into a more beautiful, welcoming and fully resourced space for the children.

What followed were donations and overwhelming support.

What was once a space struggling with basic stationery has been transformed into a brighter and more engaging learning environment, filled with resources that give the children greater opportunities to participate, create and learn.

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With 27 volunteers, the young learner’s dream was brought to life, with classrooms transformed into vibrant spaces.

“It has shown the staff that someone noticed their work and cared enough to help. For the children, it means being able to experience a learning environment with resources that many may take for granted,” she said.

Her next goal for the centre is to upgrade the playground. Taitum said she hopes her story reminds others not to underestimate what they can do.

“If you see a problem, don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Be the person who fixes it,” said Taitum.