About 16 schoolchildren of Ekuchathuzeni Primary School received school uniforms during a visit by Barberton Medium A Correctional Centre officials on Friday April 22.

The centre donated a pair of trousers, a shirt, a jersey and school shoes to these disadvantaged children.

According to a press statement from the centre, the head of the centre, Robert Khoza, said it had decided to adopt the school to ensure the less fortunate are presentable like anyone else.

“The centre believes that it takes a village to raise a child, therefore the well-being of any child is our concern, and we pray that God gives us more power to continue making a difference in your lives. We also call upon business people around Barberton to join forces with us to change the lives of our future leaders,” Khoza said.

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He urged the learners to stay away from drugs and crime as it will land them in prison, and to respect their educators and regard them as their parents.

The correctional centre adopted the primary school in 2019 when it donated kitchenware and utensils for the school’s nutrition programme.

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Ekuchathuzeni Primary School’s principal, Bhekizizwe Thabethe, was humbled by the initiative.
“This effort will eliminate dropping out of school and further motivates learners to take education serious. This will boost the self-confidence of our learners and ensure that they look the same as other kids of well-off families. Winter is fast approaching, so these uniforms will help the beneficiaries to stay warm,” Thabethe said.