Tswelopele pupils receive uniforms
MEC distributed 100 school uniforms to Tswelopele learners and 150 dignity packs for female learners
The Department of Social Development distributed uniforms to Tswelopele High School pupils on January 13.
Kgomotso Mokoka, from the department, said this was part of a school readiness programme and a back-to-school campaign.
He said the initiative was organised by the Department of Education and implemented by the Department of Social Development.
“Member of Executive Council (MEC) for the Department of Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi Malobane was here to check if the school was ready for the progress in 2016,”Mr Mokoka said.
Provincial Traffic Police and Ivory Park police were also present.
Mr Mokoka said the MEC distributed 100 school uniforms to Tswelopele learners and 150 dignity packs for female learners.
“Department of education identified the deserving learners and dpt of social development made home visits to verify if the learners were eligible.”
He said for learners to qualify their house hold income shouldn’t exceed R4500.
He said income considered included anything that generates money whether formal or informal.
“We looked at things like combined social grants, salary, small business, outside rooms rentals and so forth,” Mr Mokoka said.
He said this programme is envisaged to benefit 42 schools and the eligibility assessments began last year September until November.
“Phaladzane co-operative did the uniform sewing for the school and three other schools. This will encourage the learners to attend school and not be afraid because it will instill dignity,” said Mr Mokoka.
Principal Rebecca Dikgale said the school is very grateful for the gesture.
“It came at a right time in thew beginning of the year. In the past it came during the year when parents have already struggle with buying uniforms,” said Ms Dikgale.
She said this will have positive impact on performance because learners will have to worry about school work as other worries are removed. A 19-year-old grade 12 learner, Katlego Mashao, who benefited from the initiative said that encouraged him to see himself succeed in life.
“This uniform came at the right time when my old uniform just worn out. I appreciate the help,” he said.
