A former Midrand Primary School learner has returned to the school that helped shape her childhood, this time as a community philanthropist determined to give current learners opportunities she once had.

Ukumila Foundation founder Samila Ntlebi donated colouring books, crayons and pencil packages to learners at the school on August 7 as part of the foundation’s broader efforts to support children and strengthen communities.

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Ntlebi said choosing her former school for the initiative was deeply personal because it was where the foundation of her confidence was built.

“Like any strong structure, I believe the foundation needs to be strengthened before the rest can stand. That foundation gave me the confidence to achieve things in high school that I once never thought I could,” she said.

“It taught me to believe in myself, explore my interests and become the person I am today. I chose to start there because I want other learners to experience that same transformation, while giving back to the school that helped shape me.”

Having maintained relationships with educators at the school, Ntlebi said she was able to identify stationery as one of the immediate needs facing some learners.

“Having been a learner there, I understand the environment, and I still keep in touch with a lot of educators there, so I was able to have a chat with them regarding resources they lacked, which was stationery. Some children don’t come from privileged backgrounds, and so they tend to be unable to get stationery.”

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Ntlebi stressed that the donation was not intended to be a once-off intervention. She plans to return to the school annually and is working towards donating sanitary pads to learners.

The foundation was inspired by Ntlebi’s late sister, Amzolele Ntlebi, who spent much of her childhood in hospital due to a chronic illness. Ntlebi said her sister’s experiences highlighted the importance of ensuring children are not excluded from opportunities and experiences because of their circumstances.

“She also went to the same primary school, and they were always supportive and didn’t make her feel like she was an odd one out because of her chronic illness,” she said.

Ntlebi said the foundation aims to address what she sees as a gap in equal access to opportunities for children, particularly in underserved communities. The foundation hopes to expand its work to introduce children to sport, culture and creative activities where their talents can be discovered and developed.

She credited Blue Hills College and Preparatory, KMSHA founder Kabelo Shabangu, family members, friends and other supporters for contributing towards the donation drive.

The foundation is seeking sponsors and hopes to complete its upcoming donation drive project by September or October.

Those interested in supporting or partnering with the foundation can contact 062 598 0857 or email ukumilafoundation@gmail.com.

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