Nova Pioneer learners prepare for Mandela Day with food drive
Learners discovered that giving back is about more than donations as they packed food parcels, wrote heartfelt letters and dedicated their time to helping families ahead of Mandela Day.
In the lead-up to Mandela Day on July 18, learners, staff and families at Nova Pioneer Paulshof joined hands with Crossing Cares to collect food for vulnerable families, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
The initiative encouraged families to donate non-perishable food items such as rice, beans, pasta, soup and canned fish during their weekly grocery shopping. The donations were then sorted and packed into food parcels by learners in preparation for Mandela Day.
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Lizzy Moyo of Crossing Cares said, ”We partnered with the school through our Integrated Poverty Relief Programme to support vulnerable families in the community while encouraging learners to develop a spirit of service.”
Dean of students Hughneese du Plessis said the partnership reflects the school’s belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute to their community.
“Part of our ethos is that each one can reach one. You don’t necessarily need money to make a difference. Sometimes you need time and effort to help your community and become good civic citizens.”
Although the food drive took place shortly after the school’s half-term break, families embraced the opportunity to give back by adding one or two essential items to their shopping baskets in support of Mandela Day.
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Du Plessis said the initiative was about more than providing food to families in need.
“The biggest lesson for our learners is that everybody can do something. Every small contribution adds to a much bigger goal. The earlier we teach children the importance of serving others, the better.”
Learners from different grades played meaningful roles throughout the day. Grade 7 learners packed food parcels, while Grade 2 learners wrote heartfelt letters that were placed inside each parcel to offer words of encouragement to the recipients. Learners in grades 5, 6 and 7 also spent time making colourful beaded items as part of their 67 minutes of service ahead of Mandela Day.
Grade 7 learner Oliven Duiker said Mandela Day reminded her that helping others does not always require grand gestures.
“To me, 67 minutes means taking time to make someone else’s life a little better. Even a small act of kindness can have a big impact.”
Du Plessis said the school hopes to continue its partnership with Crossing Cares for many years, nurturing compassionate young citizens who not only benefit from society but actively work to improve it through service, empathy and generosity.
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