Learners give back to south of Joburg through SOJO Helping Hands
The learners rolled up their sleeves to help local causes by supporting SOJO’s mission for a stronger, more connected community.
The Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) SA Caregivers asked the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation to host 22 grades 10 and 11 learners from Waterstone College so they could fulfil their community hours.
SOJO Helping Hands and the Mount Like Eagles Soup Kitchen co-ordinated a meaningful day for the learners, who did various tasks to serve the south of Joburg community.
The day began with 12 learners helping at the SOJO community farm in Townsview while the other 10 worked at MOMO’s Upliftment Community Development Centre in Turffontein.
At the farm, the learners met Bulie and Dusty, two farm project learners, who took them on a tour and told them how the farm began.
They explained the physical work involved in developing the farm from the ground level and the various vegetation they planted.
The learners saw the water tank, irrigation system, pumps and worm farm, removed weeds and harvested vegetables.
At MOMO’s, the other 10 learners helped sort essential clothing packs in various sizes for the needy in preparation for the annual Mandela #HelpThyNeighbour Day hosted by SOJO, their business and NGO partners.
The learners also did a garden clean-up, served soup to about 50 people who came to the centre and brought books and other items to donate.
Nicky Vakaloudis, the CEO of SOJO Business and Tourism and the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation, said: “It was awesome to watch the learners get involved in the activities at both sites. Each project brought an element of education, serving and assisting the community. We, as SOJO, hope this will be a memorable day for the learners, something they can share with their mates and that they were touched by the work they contributed.”
Christine Crossley from the MOWCS SA Caregivers added, “The hard work and dedication of these young volunteers made an enormous impact, and we are grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to serving others.”
A thank you went to all the learners, teachers and volunteers who made the day possible. Paula van Vuuren and Rose Kuscus from the soup kitchen gave the learners and teachers soup and vetkoek for lunch, which they welcomed.
This collaborative spirit exemplifies the strength of our community and the power of working together.
“Let’s keep working together to transform lives and the south of Joburg into a thriving community we can be proud of. We’re on a mission to inspire everyone living in the south of Joburg to do their part, clean up, tidy your surroundings and help where you can,” said Vakaloudis.
Join the SOJO Helping Hands Foundation and support its community efforts by following the conversation with the hashtag #workingtogetherforabetterSouthofJoburg.
For information on how to get involved or support local NPOs in the south of Joburg, visit www.sojobusinesstourism.co.za or call Vakaloudis on 082 481 8746 or the SOJO offices on 071 336 7531.
