The gears of a well-functioning brain need the lubrication created by a healthy diet.
Providing children with adequate nutrition is as important as the quality of their textbooks and even their teachers. Dedicated to making sure their learners and members of the greater community do not go hungry are the staff and welfare committee of Lantern School. Their annual food drive has been completed successfully, collecting a heap of canned food to help those in need.
The global health scare scuppered last year’s food drive but it was back in full swing this year, collecting a grand total of 1 590 cans. Learners were rewarded with a Friday where they could swap their school uniform for their individual threads, yet the day was more than just casual fun. “It is very important that we instil the sense of giving in our learners,” said Lantern School’s welfare committee coordinator, Joanne Rossouw.
The colossal collection of cans will serve two purposes – half will go to the school’s feeding scheme and the other half to annual food drive partners, Round Table Florida 21. “The community has been hit hard. So many people have lost good jobs and we have to do all we can to contribute,” said Round Table Florida 21 chairperson, Joseph Heckler.
The collection is part of the welfare committee’s multiple projects that span across the entire school calendar. The previous project was an Easter egg collection done in April, and next on the list is a toiletry drive. “We value the opportunity to help others within our community, and our own feeding scheme numbers have doubled this year,” said Joanne who, together with Altea van der Merwe, Anke Bester and a few voluntary hands prepare meals daily for feeding scheme beneficiaries at the school.
As a thank you, Joseph delivered a boot full of treats for the learners at Lantern, courtesy of Round Table Florida 21. Candy, juice-boxes, chips and biscuits were all in Florida 21’s bundle of appreciation for the school’s hard work and generosity.
Meat, vegetables and fruit are the cornerstones of an ideal diet but as a bonus for a job well done, a sweet reward is always appreciated.
