Over 200 books covered for Mamelodi learners
The foundation collectively covered 4 566 books for over 290 schoolchildren.
A local community organisation covered 290 school books for disadvantaged learners in 10 Mamelodi informal settlements.
Vhathu Phanda community forum and all its men’s, women’s as well youth brigades said the campaign was in pursuance of the forum’s The Remaking of Townships Schools and Communities Vhathu Phanda Vision 2047.
Deputy chair and founder Ernest Magane said the books were covered as part of the forum’s annual January Back to School Outreach month.
He said the outreach programme was inspired by “one of our pillar objective programmes to take communities off the streets and engage them in constructive activities that will contribute to entrepreneurship, job creation and nation building”.
“It is in our culture and traditions that Vhathu Phanda treats January as a Back to School Outreach Month as part of giving hope and motivating learners to look forward to going to school every day with covered books,” said Magane.
The outreach started on January 8 and will last until the end of the month when the forum and all its official structures as well as community members are expected to volunteer to assist learners from disadvantaged families.
Magane said with the help of community leaders, residents in the 10 informal settlements of Leeuwfontein and Mamelodi East as well as Bokamoso Foundation collectively covered 4 566 books for over 290 schoolchildren.
The stakeholders also donated 14 school uniforms as well as did the hair of 89 girls and boys to prepare them for school.
“Many parents who struggling during these difficult economic times appreciate the initiative,” he added.
He said the outreach, in its second year, is made possible by members digging into their own pockets as well as various other donors and residents.
“The outreach started after we realised that there were children who did not have the means to cover their books,” he said adding that their vision and target were to reach every learner in Mamelodi.
He said donations included book covers, sellotape, scissors and other stationery.
“We approached several schools in Mamelodi and asked that the children who wanted their books covered should bring their books and we would cover them for free.”
Magane invited residents to bring any donation to make the outreach a success, and ensure all children in Mamelodi and surrounding areas had presentable books.
Anyone who wishes to donate book covers, sticky tape, scissors or school uniforms can contact Magane at 067 928 9642.
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