Ahmed Timol Secondary thanks community for helping with Cyclone Idai relief fundraising
The principal, educators, SGB and student body of Ahmed Timol Secondary School were deeply saddened by the news and took immediate action to raise funds for the Foundation.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Idai was one of the worst tropical cyclones on record that affected Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.
Idai brought strong winds and caused severe flooding in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, and killed approximately 1 007 people, with more than three million people experiencing the direct effects of the cyclone.
A major humanitarian crisis unfolded in the wake of the cyclone; rescuers were forced to let some people die in order to save others. More than 100 000 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with at least one million acres of crops. Total damages from Idai across Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Malawi were estimated to be at least US$2 billion, with US$1 billion alone in infrastructure damages. The Gift of the Givers Foundation reached out, asking for help in aiding the injured with donations of any kind.
The principal, educators, School Governing Body (SGB) and student body of Ahmed Timol Secondary School were deeply saddened by the news and took immediate action to raise funds for the Foundation. The learners were given donation forms as well as newsletters which informed parents about the devastation and requested their help.
Some learners volunteered at night markets while others took to the streets in a door-to-door campaign. Sagren Naido, principal of the school, said, “We managed to raise R30 546,20 for the relief of the victims of cyclone Idai. These funds were deposited just as the second cyclone hit, causing further devastation. This coming together of nations to help one another is also a small step taken against xenophobia.
“We would now love to thank you. Yes, you, the community, for your generous participation in this charitable event. The community of Azaadville is ever willing to assist the school’s fundraisers and this significant contribution to unknown recipients indicates the hearts of gold within our community. Without your help we would have been unable to conduct this philanthropic enterprise. The school has continued to collect tinned food and old clothing which will be sent on to the victims of this tragedy,” Naido added.
