While many educators use the school holidays to rest, Thembisa teacher and caregiver Hluphi Shili has dedicated her holiday to ensuring vulnerable children in the community have nutritious meals.

Through her work, Shili has spent years supporting learners by sourcing school uniform donations and assisting disadvantaged families.

During the holidays, she shifts her focus to providing meals for children who rely on school nutrition programmes during the academic term.

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The initiative primarily assists vulnerable learners who have limited access to food during school holidays.

Beneficiaries include children from informal settlements such as Emalahleni Coal Yard and Shalito, as well as learners from nearby schools in Ecaleni.

“I am the School-Based Support Team coordinator at Shukumani Primary School, responsible for learners in need, disadvantaged learners, orphans, child-headed households and learners with behavioural problems.

“I have a list of learners identified according to various categories, making it easier for me to support those in need. I work hand in glove with social workers, where we handle various cases involving children,” said Shili.

She added that, having been born and raised in Thembisa, she has a deep understanding of the community and its needs.

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“I’m familiar with the Thembisa community, having been born and raised here. My dad was the first businessman who supplied wood and coal to residents across Thembisa,” she said.

Shili said the programme has grown significantly and now serves hundreds of children every day.
“I serve close to 300 to 400 children per day and sometimes even more because one child often brings three or four lunch boxes to be filled for siblings at home,” she said.

She explained that she funds much of the initiative herself, while several community members and local businesses contribute by donating groceries.

“I source food from my own pocket. There are good Samaritans who have been touched by this programme and wanted to donate money, but I prefer grocery donations instead.

“I have received support from two funeral undertaker managers in Thembisa, a man of God who is my relative, a young businessman who owns a tyre company, a lady from a local driving school and many others,” she said.

Although the initiative mainly benefits children from Ward 4, Shili said learners from areas as far as eNdulwini and Phomolong also receive meals when they visit Ecaleni’s Ground 2 to play soccer.

She admitted that winter presents additional challenges but said the children’s enthusiasm keeps her motivated.

“Winter is indeed a challenge, but my kids are continuously energetic to come for their instant porridge for breakfast and their delicious lunch, irrespective of the cold weather, because they truly enjoy our food.

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“Looking at the children I have assisted over the years, I know I have made a difference in their lives with the little that I have. My goal is to close the gap for children who do not have enough food during the school holidays while they benefit from the school nutrition programme during the school term,” she said.