Big difference in a pair of shoes
Five pupils from a school in Munsieville will be able to put their torn and tattered shoes aside after receiving a brand-new pair each.
Five disadvantaged children from Phatudi Primary in Munsieville now have more reason to walk to school after each received a pair of brand-new Toughees school shoes.
Hilda Thetjeng, a school governing body member decided to give something back with the help of the youth in the area after seeing a pupil’s willingness to go to school even though both his shoes were worn, with two big holes in it.
“Youth members from the area were approached and together we were able to contribute R1 000 towards purchasing the school shoes.”
She says the youth wanted to help as they want the people from Munsieville to unite and bring change in the lives of the children.
“They told me that together they can do more and hopefully it will encourage the community also to help by donating school shoes and clothes.”
Hilda says she asked Seabata Mokoena, school principal to identify pupils in his school who are in dire need of new shoes.
Seabata tells the NEWS that he is happy that the children were donated new shoes and
encourages not only the community to donate but asks business owners to help by providing them with donations.
“By providing the children with shoes we offer them an opportunity and encourage them to further their education and keep them off the streets where they will do crime and drugs.”
Veronica Marema, the Head of Department at the school says that teachers are gripped by the poverty that they see and will sometimes buy shoes or clothes for the children from their own salaries.
“I would like to thank the youth and Hilda for donating the shoes – we need more people like them and they make us proud to be living in Munsieville.”
Norman Sedumedi, ANC Councillor for Ward 24 says that he appreciates the gesture by the youth as education is an important aspect.
“When the children don’t have proper things such as school shoes, they are discouraged to go to school. They need to have proper shoes as they need to go to school and become somebody in life.”
The children who received the shoes have shown their appreciation and say that they are happy about the shoes and will now be able to put the torn and tattered shoes aside.
