THE sounds of joy could be heard from afar when 160 learners from Nhluvuko High School in Giyani received brand new school uniforms from Munghana Lonene FM (MLFM).
This donation was part of the radio station’s back-to-school campaign, which started on January 14, the first day of the school year.
According to MLFM marketing manager Vongi Nkanyani, the aim of the campaign was to help needy learners with school uniforms and study materials. They also helped with repairs at schools where necessary.
He said the campaign was run in conjunction with the department of correctional services who provided labour when needed by utilising the department’s rehabilitation programme.
Nkanyani spoke at the handover ceremony and said MLFM made use of donors, called Friends of the Station, who donated the necessary funds needed to buy uniforms and to pay for study and building materials.
“We were able to buy uniforms for 160 learners and fix the school’s doors and windows with the help of the department of correctional services,” he explained.
Nhluvuko High School school governing body chairperson, Nzama Mashele, thanked MLFM for the campaign and the help offered to the school.
“To go to school without a school uniform can be humiliating. This donation will restore learners’ confidence. Most of the people who donated to our cause are people who grew up here and we are grateful for their help,” he said.
Giyani mayor Pat Hlungwani attended the event and urged parents to take their children’s education seriously. He said parents should monitor their children’s homework and make sure that they were up to date.
He also encouraged parents to stay informed about their children’s academic progress throughout the year.
“These learners are not the teachers’ children, they are yours. Parents have to be the first line of education in a child’s life. When parents and teachers work in together, the learners can achieve much more,” Hlungwani said.
“Don’t blame the teachers when your children fail at the end of the year and you did not do everything that you could to help them.”
