Youth group brings cheer to disadvantaged children
In recognition of the 67 Minutes of Mandela Day, #Sisonke donated food parcels, sanitary towels (30), new school shoes (20 pairs), cosmetics, clothing, and face cloth (42) to the underprivileged children on Saturday of July 22.
The youth group #Sisonke Tembisa Foundation brings much fun and joy to vulnerable and orphaned children of Ubuhle Bezwe Child Centre.
In recognition of the 67 Minutes for Mandela Day, #Sisonke donated food parcels, 30 sanitary towels, 20 pairs of new school shoes, cosmetics, clothing, and 42 face cloths to underprivileged children, on July 22.
They spent the day interacting with the children, serving them lunch and playing indigenous games. It was evident that the children enjoyed the group’s visit when they couldn’t contain their smiles and kept requesting more games.
According to the group’s secretary general, Fanie Malatola, the donation was part of their annual community outreach programme.
“When we visited them prior to Mandela Day, we realised they were struggling and needed many items including the things that we brought them. We were extremely excited to see these children smiling and looking neat in nice clothes. These types of visits remind us that we should visit them more often – not only on Mandela Day. We should make it a duty of a community to care, support and love these vulnerable, abused, abandoned and orphaned children,” said Malatola.
Malatola emphasised that #Sisonke Tembisa Foundation is not about them as members but the entire township, whose people would like to make a difference to uplift the community.
“We are calling on residents, business people and anyone who would like to reach out to disadvantaged people to work with us. We appreciate anything that members of the community are willing to donate to less fortunate homes,” said Malatola.
Malatola said they could help Ubuhle Bezwe Child Centre because of the help they received from Four Seasoned Pub and community members from Kgatlamping and Moedi.
“We are thankful to have such selfless residents. Together we can help alleviate poverty in the township,” added Malatola.
He encouraged young people to focus on their education and added that they should never feel alone or abandoned. “It is our aim to instil the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) in children while they are still young. They should look after one another and learn to give, keep peace and unity,” he added.
Ubuhle Bezwe Child Centre representative, Vukile Mgenge, expressed her appreciation to members of #Sisonke, for showing them love and great support.
“All these items will go a long way towards feeding our children and looking after them. We are thankful that we were selected as one of their beneficiaries in this year’s Mandela Day. We are looking forward to working with them in the future,” added Mgenge.
