TUT north students reach out to the disabled
Determined to make a difference, Tshwane University of Technology residence students at the Soshanguve campus donated groceries, toiletries and clothes to a disability centre in Block TT.
In a bid to bring a smile and make a difference in the lives of children at Soshanguve disability day care centre, Tshwane University of Technology students donated groceries, toiletries and clothes last Friday.
TUT Soshanguve campus residence manager Archibold Bulasigobo said the institution aimed to reach out to organisations in the vicinity that were most in need.
“The purpose of the outreach is to reach out to residents around the university and engage with Soshanguve community. We want to give back with the little we have and get to know [the community] and show them that we care,” said Bulasigobo.
The Lerena Rea Shoma Disability Organisation was founded by Ngamla Alpheus Mokgola in 2007, but started functioning in 2012 to assist parents with their disabled children.
ALSO READ: TUT reopening goes ahead as planned
Mokgola runs the day care centre, where he takes care of more than 30 children with the help of six nurses.
“The children do not stay in the centre. They get picked up by the staff members from their homes every morning from 08:00 and returned home at 14:00. The children are taught English, maths, beading, sewing and knitting,” said caretaker and nurse, Sarah Mokgola.
From playing and engaging children to cleaning and cooking, the students divided into various groups to make it a fun-filled day.
Chairperson of TUT CCT residence, Mbalenhle Sibanyoni, said a group of 20 students made means of collecting the donations around the residence.
“We do not have any sponsor or form of assistance. We rely on students. The centre is one of the most disadvantaged. Even the structure of their building is not conducive and I was touched when I heard from the founder that when it rains, the roof leaks,” said Sibanyoni.
“It is the spirit of ubuntu that touched me. I did not even expect them to thank us for giving them the little that we had. Seeing disabled children trying, by all means, to bond and connect with us made me happy. I do not want this to end today but I want to come again next time,” said Sibanyoni.
ALSO READ: TUT students held hostage, robbed at gunpoint in north
Mokgola said the centre was thankful for being recognised.
“It means a lot to the entire organisation.
“I wish they could remember us again and other centres that deal with disabled people. They also need help.
“Let us be the same, just like the name of our district, Tshwane suggests,” said Mokgola.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
