MEC hands over school uniforms to needy pupils
More than 500 pupils from rural and urban schools have benefited from the Bana Pele programme.
The Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko visited schools in Mogale City and handed over school uniform to needy pupils.
Accompanied by councillors from Mogale City Local Municipality, Speaker of West Rand District Johanna Phiri, members of the ANC Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO), social workers, business people and members of the local cooperatives, Mazibuko contributed piles of school uniforms to five high schools around the city.
Mazibiko said the provincial government has made a determined decision to change the face of education. She said her department has decided to expand the school uniform project through the Bana Pele.
“We are extremely happy and proud to expand this project to schools in the far flung areas as well as those in the townships. Education is a societal problem and we have taken a decision to play our part as social development in making sure that our pupils go to school well dressed and presentable,” Mazibuko said.
The Bana Pele programme is a Gauteng provincial government initiative which is aimed at making Gauteng a province fit for children by ensuring that vulnerable and orphaned children between the ages of 0 and 18 are able to access an integrated packages of services through a single window.
“It is through schools that we are able to identify pupils that are vulnerable in their respective homes. This programme is extended also to child-headed families as well as orphans.
“As government we want to continue working with our schools and also extend this working relationship in identifying other areas that need government intervention. We rely on educators to give us information on all matters concerning the education of our children; hence we started the year on a positive note by donating uniforms to our kids so that they can be the same as other pupils,” she added.
More than 500 pupils from rural and urban schools have benefited from the Bana Pele programme. The uniform package includes a pair of shoes, jersey, shirt, socks and a pair of trousers and a skirt for girls. The schools visited cater for Grades 8 to 12 pupils.
Mazibuko and her entourage visited schools in Hekpoort, Kromdraai and Munsieville, and concluded her visit in Kagiso. The school principals extended their gratitude about the visits.
The major issues faced by the schools range from child-headed families, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse as well as the integration of pupils into sport.
