Reddam House Waterfall and Curro Waterfall learners step up for self-discovery during winter recess
While other students were warm in their beds, pupils from Reddam House Waterfall and Curro Waterfall joined The President's Award residential project to make a difference.
While many learners were curled up indoors, escaping the winter chill, a determined group of Reddam House Waterfall and Curro Waterfall learners spent their July recess giving back, growing, and getting their hands dirty as part of The President’s Award (TPA) residential project .
TPA is a globally recognised NPO programme that encourages young people to develop skills, volunteer, stay active, and step outside their comfort zone. It provides a structured framework for learners to formalise their mandatory extracurricular activities, such as skills development, physical activity, and community service.
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Over five action-packed days, the learners participated in a series of community service initiatives aimed at empowering both the youth and the communities they served.
The programme, facilitated by TPA, saw learners work with local NGOs in Midrand – including The Society for Animals in Distress and Friends of Free Wildlife.
Vejay Reddy, TPA award leader at Reddam House Waterfall, said tasks ranged from clearing overgrown animal enclosures and restoring a bat aviary, to sorting and cleaning hundreds of dusty birdcages. “The most heart-warming moment came on day five, when learners woke at 05:00 to prepare Spanish chicken and rice for 300 under-resourced children at the Ivory Park Community Centre. From lighting fires to chopping vegetables and dishing every meal by hand, our students handled it all.”
Parents joined in the cooking efforts, adding energy, warmth, and encouragement as meals were served with smiles to the children of Ivory Park. Reddy said the learners gave with heart, and walked away with life lessons they will carry forever. “The programme was not just about service; it was about self-discovery, teamwork, and real-world impact. Our learners showed resilience, compassion, and leadership.”
Grade 11 learner from Reddam House Reya Govender reflected on the experience. “The goal was to help others, but, in doing so, I learnt so much about myself – how strong I can be, how deeply I care, and how good it feels to give back.”
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