Foundation phase learners and teachers at Bodubelo Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa received much-needed, essential stationery packs to improve teaching and learning in the classroom.

The donation forms part of a stationery drive supporting under-resourced primary schools in Pretoria, with a focus on learners in grades 1–3.

At Bodubelo Primary, the initiative was warmly welcomed by both educators and learners, many of whom often start the school year without basic learning materials.

The North West Community Development Trust sponsored the stationery.

School principal Gideon Malatji said the donation would make a difference to daily classroom activities and overall learning outcomes.

“We are very happy that our learners have received such an important gift. Stationery is not just items like books and pencils, it is important for their future.

“You can see the happiness from the learners and even the teachers,” said Malatji.

He explained that the lack of basic stationery often disrupts lessons and places additional strain on teachers.

“There are times when a learner says, ‘I don’t have a pencil’ or ‘I don’t have an exercise book’. When this happens frequently, the teacher cannot even cover the syllabus properly. It makes our work very difficult, especially in the foundation phase.”

Malatji added that shortages of items such as exercise books, pencils and erasers remain one of the school’s biggest challenges.

“With this kind of support, when a learner does not have something, we are now able to assist with the donation we have received,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Ruben Gooranah, general manager of Time Square, said the stationery drive was motivated by a desire to invest in education at a foundational level.

“This year, the focus was on education and on giving to children. We felt stationery was the best way to support learners, especially those in grades 1, 2 and 3.”

He explained that the beneficiary schools were identified in communities including Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Soshanguve and Atteridgeville, areas where many schools face resource constraints.

“Parents often cannot afford stationery, and schools also have limited budgets. We thought if we could at least assist foundation phase learners, it would make a meaningful impact.”

Each stationery pack includes exercise books, pencils, pens, colouring pencils, rulers, erasers, sharpeners and a colouring book designed to make learning both educational and enjoyable for younger learners.

Gooranah said access to basic stationery plays a critical role in early learning.

“At the foundation phase level, children need to be able to read, write and practise consistently. Having their own stationery helps them feel confident and able to participate fully in class,” he said.

While the initiative is currently planned as an annual project, Gooranah encouraged other organisations to support schools in informal settlement communities.

“We often forget about schools in our communities. Businesses and stakeholders need to come together to support education,” he said.

Malatji also emphasised the importance of partnerships.

“It takes the whole community to build a child. Support like this is vital in ensuring our learners receive the education they deserve,” he said.

ALSO READ: Man wanted for illegal firearms killed in shootout with police in Laudium

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel