Dowerglen learners bring joy to Tumelo Home

Members of Dowerglen High School’s Interact Club joined forces with Hope Restorations Devoted Citizen and People Matter Foundation to bring support and joy to children living with disabilities at Tumelo Home on August 22.

The visit aimed to show love and support to the children while donating essential items, including non-perishable food and clothing.

Tumelo Home relies heavily on donations and community support to assist its residents.

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Tumelo Home employee Beauty Makgoba expressed her gratitude to the learners and organisations involved.

“I am so speechless. We are so grateful for their donation, love and care. Through their donations, Tumelo Home continues to grow,” said Makgoba.

She added that the community should remember that disability is not a choice and encouraged parents of children living with disabilities not to isolate them.

“Children with disabilities want support, protection and love,” she said.

The Interact Club was established in 2024 by Ofenste Hlongwane to help bridge the gap between young people and communities in need.

According to Hlongwane, funds for the club’s outreach initiatives are raised through school drives, as well as donations from parents and learners.

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He said the support received for the Tumelo Home initiative made the day particularly meaningful for the club.

“We believe what we donated today is not us, but God through us. More than anything, our initiatives teach young people that leadership is not about a title, but about serving others,” said Hlongwane.

“We often overthink it, but giving back in your area starts with something small. Picking up papers goes a long way and that is leadership itself.”

Devoted Citizen’s Siphamandla Zondi said the partnership provided an opportunity to support the children while also recognising the staff members who care for them.

“Watching them smile as we brought them a car or a Christmas tree, you suddenly realise that a pack of soap and toothpaste is the world for them.

“It’s so heartwarming. I hope young people see that they shouldn’t wait until they have enough because they are enough,” said Zondi.

The visit ended with games and time spent with the children, with the participants encouraging residents to make community service an ongoing commitment rather than limiting it to occasions such as Mandela Day.