Volunteers launch book and stationery drive to support learners
In partnership with outreach group Fish and Bread, the initiative seeks to provide school supplies to children in need and foster hope through education.
In an initiative aimed at bridging the education gap in some of our most underserved communities in Johannesburg, a dedicated group of volunteers has launched a Book and Stationery Drive.
This drive, in partnership with the outreach organisation Fish and Bread, focuses on collecting new and gently used school supplies for children in nearby areas where access to basic educational tools remains a daily struggle.
Fish and Bread, known for its compassion-driven work, distributes weekly sandwiches to homeless people, provides hot meals every Tuesday, and recently made a significant impact with its annual blanket drive, handing out nearly 700 blankets this past June.
One volunteer involved in organising the drive said, “As someone who volunteers with Fish and Bread, I’ve seen firsthand how hunger and homelessness affect every aspect of a person’s life, including a child’s ability to learn.
This is why we are shifting some of our focus to education. These children’s needs were identified, and we’re determined to respond.”
The Book and Stationery Drive aims to empower children through literacy, creativity and access to resources that can help lift them out of the cycle of poverty.
“By equipping these young minds with the tools to learn, we’re investing in a stronger, more hopeful community,” they added.
Donations of books are especially welcome, including Bibles, fiction and non-fiction titles, picture books, colouring books, educational material and school textbooks suitable for various age groups.
In addition, essential stationery supplies like pens, pencils, markers, crayons, notebooks, folders, binders, rulers, erasers, glue sticks and similar items are welcome.
There are several ways to contribute to this initiative: Donate new or gently used books and school supplies in good condition and share the campaign in your community and on social media to raise awareness or for those who might have larger contributions. You can arrange collection to make the process easier.
Drop-off locations are available at Mulbarton.
Every donation, no matter the size, has the potential to make a lasting impact on a child’s future.
For more information, call Petula on 076 647 4272.
