Pearl spreads message of hope

THE pupils at Ubhedu Primary School had their morning made when local lass, Pearl Holdstock, visited the school and donated goodie bags and a sumptuous lunch.

The school, which caters to 536 children in the Hammarsdale area for Grades 1 through to Grade 6, provides all of the children with at least one full meal a day and offers its services free of charge.

“I am a past pupil at the school and my organisation, The Brave and The Beautiful, aims to help women who have been mentally, physically and sexually abused. I remember back in my school days I had a few friends who were being abused but they kept quiet and didn’t tell anyone anything. I am here today to let all of the children know that there are people out there who want to listen and are always willing to help,” said Pearl.

She works as a councillor in her organisation and goes into the townships and hosts workshops for the women there regarding the varying degrees of abuse and how they can improve their lives. “Sometimes the women I meet think that what they are going through is normal and I am there to help give them a voice and to help them break free from that abuse. We support them through the entire process,” said Pearl.

She said returning to the school was something that she needed to do as it was refreshing to return to her roots. “I believe that we have an obligation to our children, to let them grow up in a safe environment and help make a difference in their lives,” said Pearl.

Each of the pupils was given a goodie bag, which contained a ruler and pens, while each of the girls also received a new pair of underwear. “This was a gift to them and to let them know that those panties belong to them and nobody else is allowed to remove them unless it is consensual and they (the girls) are of the right age,” said Pearl.

She also supplied each of the children with a hot dog, a fruit and a small packet of sweets.