Mentally challenged pupils dine with dignity

Aard Mining Equipment donated a kitchen to the Itereleng School for the mentally handicapped.

September 7, 2016

Portia Mokowe 1 minute read

MD of Aard Mining Equipment, Anton Wheeler, handing over the kitchen keys to Principal Olga Molefe.

Aard Mining Equipment gave pupils from the Itereleng School for the Severely Mentally Handicapped the opportunity to dine with dignity on Friday, 2 September, in Kagiso.

The company’s Managing Director and other members of the team hosted a celebratory event during which they donated a brand new kitchen with utensils to the school. “It is part of Aard’s annual CSI strategy to better the life of the community in our area – our social commitment requires us to uplift the previously disadvantaged,” said Bianca Faber, a representative from Aard.

The colourful event was held at the school, complete with music and treats for the excited pupils. Itereleng’s principal, Olga Molefe, said that she was overwhelmed at being recognised by the company. “Everything is new and we feel new as well. The old kitchen was small and dishing up inside it was a challenge. We are also grateful for the kitchen utensils that they donated,” she said.

“Giving to the less fortunate is a part of Aard’s yearly tradition. Every Christmas, the company’s employees donate money towards a charity.

Those funds are used to purchase hampers, food or clothes to donate to organisations in Kagiso. Last Christmas, we donated hampers to the children of the Itereleng School and identified the crucial need for a proper kitchen to feed them. We are happy that we have made that possible for them,” said Bianca.

With a bigger and better kitchen, it is clear that meal time will go back to being fun time for the 307 pupils at the school.