Life4u continues to be the lifeblood of Ivory Park
IVORY PARK - Lekgoathi Otto, principal of Umqhele Secondary School began Mandela Day quoting the late Nelson Mandela, “It is impossible until it is done.”
The school was earmarked for renovation by Life4U Foundation, a youth empowerment non-profit organisation that offers its members volunteer work, and an information centre for access to information on how to apply for university entrance and bursaries. They also offer disaster and poverty relief to the community of Ivory Park and Tembisa.
Chairperson of the foundation, Mpho Mofokeng expressed her gratitude to the National Youth Development Agency for its assistance, and Blendwell chemicals that donated detergents for the cause and was present to help clean the school’s toilets. The foundation also fixed broken windows at the school.
“What has to be understood is that we have to return to teach children how to maintain this current state of their windows and toilets. Toilets, especially,” said the foundation’s project manager, Simon Molekwa. “People underestimate the importance of clean toilets. The fact that we pay R2 to use the toilets in town is an emphasis on that.”
The school was abuzz with energy as volunteers moved through the corridors from classroom to classroom. While others chose to do hard labour for their 67 minutes, three DJ’s opted to dedicate their time doing what they do best which is to play music.
“It is meant to keep us all upbeat,” quipped Molekwa referring to the music.
Otto concluded, “We appreciate the youth for coming here today and trying to make a difference for 67 minutes on Nelson Mandela Day – former students and current students of the school. We hope our current learners are taking note of their predecessors and the example they have set.”
