LEARNERS from Mufongodi Primary School outside Dzanani were delighted that they would no longer have to go barefoot to school, after the national department of transport donated 262 pairs of shoes last Tuesday.
According to transport deputy minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, for many learners, these were the first pair of shoes they had ever owned.
“We want young learners to be able to realise their dreams, to concentrate on learning and to forget about their disadvantaged backgrounds. The village, Straighthardt is a deep rural community associated with poverty and unemployment,” Chikunga said.
The principal, Edson Ramuhulu, said he was thankful towards the department for assisting the learners in this way, and he hoped the donation would assist in the learners being able to concentrate on their studies.
Gr. 5 learner, Phetheni Mudau (15), one of the beneficiaries, said receiving school shoes was a dream come true for him and the other learners.
He said many families could not afford to provide for their children’s educational needs.
“Now we won’t have to go to school barefoot; going to school without shoes was a nightmare during winter. We promise to take our education seriously and our communities will benefit from us as soon as we get jobs,” Mudau said.
Chikunga also distributed blankets to the elderly and disadvantaged women from Straighthardt, Maranikhwe, Afton and Tshitwi villages.
