BPL reaches out to the disabled children on Mandela Day

As part of the centenary for Mandela Day, Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL) ambassadors teamed up with the East Rand Township Chamber of Commerce and led an incredible day of service for Ecaleni Primary School for disabled children.

BPL ambassadors and a team of volunteers erected a tunnel and plant various seedlings for their food garden project which will also form part of the school’s curriculum in skills training.

Speaking to BPL’s representative Karin Schoeman said after a site visit they realised this was a normal mainstream school not intended for disabled children so there were quite a few areas identified that needed upgrading.

“In each of the ablution blocks we installed a wheelchair accessible toilet as well as a shower. We are currently looking into getting hot water geysers installed,” added Schoeman.

Schoeman emphasised that the school does have a feeding scheme and they will then use the fresh vegetables from this garden to supplement what they get from the scheme to prepare fresh meals for the learners.

“We also supplied the school with all the gardening equipment and tools needed to make a success of this. Joe du Preez, his son and Tudor Pave sponsored the paving of the assembly area. Most of this was done by contractors during the school holiday. EPS Couriers sponsored us with 200 bottles of water to keep us hydrated while doing the labour.”

BPL ambassadors also made comfort blankets and texture boards especially aimed at aiding mentally disabled children. They also purchased a basket and soccer balls for use on the sports field.

Schoeman said every day should be a Mandela Day.

“We must be thankful for the things we just take for granted in our daily lives, our mental health, our ability to walk, and to do even the simplest things for yourself. We are hoping to make the daily life of these children just a little easier. We are going to stay involved in the vegetable garden on an ongoing basis. Kabelo Mtshazwe from BPL is going to run with the project. We will make sure that they have the seeds to continue growing new seedlings as well as assist with guidance and advice,” added Schoeman.

When further asked how she feels now that the project was done, Schoeman said after each project that they do they feel grateful that they are in the position to make a difference in the lives of these children, even if it is only in a small way.