A newly founded NPO based in Khutsong Township, the DJ Short Foundation, has begun its quest to make a positive impact by reaching out to local primary schools. The foundation has kicked off its Learner Support Programme, where the organisation adopts two learners from each primary school in Khutsong in order to assist with their educational needs from this year onward.

The founder, Mr Itumeleng Marumule, a successful national DJ popularly known as DJ Short who has hosted his annual birthday celebration for more than a decade, mentioned that he was motivated to start the organisation by his own personal journey of struggle. He expressed that the initiative is something he has always wanted to do because of his unfortunate childhood experiences at primary school level, where he faced challenges such as not having a pair of school shoes and living with his two sisters and unemployed single mother.

“I had to help my mom sell tripe in order to make ends meet at an early age,” he expressed.

The DJ Short Foundation was excited to have the incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged learners across Khutsong as they began their programme on Friday, 15 May. They were invited to join a celebration that took place at Boiteko Special School on International Boy Child Day, where they supported the programme hosted by Mr Bareng Rasego and motivational speaker Mr Jabu Wana.

The foundation donated 15 toiletry bags on the day and continued to other schools, namely Hlanganani and Nayaboswa Primary Schools, on 22 May, where they began the organisation’s Learner Support Programme.

The organisation selected two children from each school, both a boy and a girl, who were hand-picked by the school committees. They also met with the parents regarding the donations and the inclusion of the learners in the long-term Learner Support Programme until they finish primary school.

Their motto is that every child deserves access to education, regardless of their socio-economic background. However, during the winter season, many children lack warm clothing and basic school supplies. Six primary school learners from three different schools around Khutsong, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, will receive warm basic school supplies including jerseys, jackets, socks, proper shoes, a home heater, and groceries.

These essential items not only contribute to their physical comfort but also help boost their self-esteem and confidence in the classroom. The six chosen learners will be part of this programme for six years, and more learners will continue to be identified by the schools.

“The parents were overwhelmed by the initiative and wished us growth and success so that we can reach more learners,” he further expressed.

Currently, the foundation is focused on primary schools but aims to expand to high schools in future. The initiative has also received generous support from Strocam Mining PTY LTD.

DJ Short also mentioned that he was deeply touched by the situations the learners are facing, and that he will mentor a learner from Boiteko Special School who is interested in building a career as a DJ in the near future.

“It makes me happy and gives me more courage to continue with the initiative and ensure that we assist as many children as possible,” he concluded.