Local organisation donates stationery and uniforms to needy children
"These kids can now focus on their academics without being distracted by the fact that they don’t have proper school shoes or even a pencil."
Some 80 underprivileged children in Mamelodi received new school uniforms, school shoes and stationery on Saturday.
The generous donations were made by the non-profit organisation Thandanani Drop Inn centre, the ANC Women’s league and a local dress hiring company.
Kate Kekana, organisation coordinator from Thandanani, said the organisation believed in the key to consistency.
She said the uniform and stationery drive was to ensure their beneficiaries’ basic needs were catered for.
“The donations are part of our early intervention and integration efforts. Such events create awareness and also create the spirit of ubuntu in the community,” said Kekana.
“We are thankful to all who made this possible. Dignity was restored to these children,” she said.
“Our children will no longer stress about going to school looking different from other learners. They can now focus on their academics without being distracted by the fact that they don’t have proper school shoes or even a pencil,” said Kekana.
Kekana added that most of the children who benefited from the drive are children who always attend afternoon and school holiday programmes organised by the Thandanani centre.
Philistus Nkadimeng from ANC Women’s League said it gave her joy knowing they were able to bring a smile to children’s faces.
“My purpose is to serve the community of Mamelodi, not serve the interests of individuals. That is why we saw it fit as organisation to be part of this great initiative of giving back to the community,” said Nkadimeng.
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“A big shout out to Thandanani Drop Inn centre for partnering with us in this great venture. We are looking forward to this great job of assisting our future leaders to have a great future,” she added.
Miss Unity South Africa 2021 finalist, Tshifhiwa Ramotombu, said she read an article a few months back on the outreach programmes by Thandanani Drop Inn centre.
She said she was inspired by the work of Thandanani in the local community and said giving back and volunteering were significant parts of her own personal values.
The children were excited by the gifts and entertained the guests with music, modelling, played educational games and enjoying lunch together.
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