Sharp pencils for 2019 at Etete Primary School

They all lined up neatly, eagerly waiting to receive their first ever, all new stationary pack – a luxury they never imagined to receive on the first day of school.

The Etete Primary School pupils curtsied politely as they were handed their lovingly packed bags which were organised by the Netcare Alberlito Hospital staff who adopted the underprivileged school last year.

The hospital’s Kinola Sivagopal lives in the area and said she drove past the school every day and had always wanted to help them.

“We came here on Mandela Day last year to do some maintenance around the school and had lunch with the pupils. It was such a lovely experience and the principal, staff and children were so inviting and kind, so we decided to adopt the school.

“These back to school packs were our hospital manager’s idea – he is always excited about pushing education,” said Sivagopal.

The staff held many a fundraiser towards the end of last year for the packs and raised R3000.

Alberlito hospital manager Thulasizwe Mngadi said the staff have gone beyond the call with their back to school initiative.

“I always say a hospital and a school are part of the community and it is our role to serve the community. The staff have taken the time to bake cakes and make samoosas which were sold at the hospital as part of the fundraisers to make these back to school packages possible,” said Mngadi.

The principal of the small school Patricia Cele said they were very excited about the generous donation.

“I never expected so much from the Netcare team! The stationary will make the start of school for the little kids so much easier now that they have notepads and pens,” said Cele, who has 142 pupils in the small school.

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