South of Joburg community urged to support students in need of school supplies
On February 18, Clr Michael Crichton met with Nicky Vakaloudis, CEO of SOJO Helping Hands Foundation, at the Faraday Taxi Association in La Rochelle, in response to a call to action for a random act of kindness.
The immediate need was to provide stationery and textbooks for three high school students. However, the ongoing goal is to gather support from our local community to help children who face difficulties accessing essential school supplies such as textbooks, stationery, and uniforms.
Crichton spoke about the challenges many families face. “While government support covers students in Quantal 1 to 3 schools, it’s often assumed that all children can provide their own supplies, especially in Quantal 5 schools.
However, many families are unable to do so due to changing economic circumstances,” he explained. “Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.”
The SOJO Helping Hands Foundation is encouraging the community to donate textbooks, stationery and school clothes. Businesses are also invited to initiate drives to create a bigger impact.
At the end of each year, one doesn’t know what to do with their child’s textbooks or the overflow of stationery.
Here is a great opportunity to clean up responsibility while being environmentally and humanely conscious.
Donations can be dropped off at the Foundation’s Threads Up Charity Store, located at Mall of the South, Entrance 1, Basement Level (L0), near the lift.
The store is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00 and all contributions will be directed to those in need.
A special thanks to Gasela Stationery in Kibler Park, a proud member of SOJO, represented by Jonathan Nyandeni, whose support helped meet the needs of two learners.
They also received a few textbooks from a local church. Their involvement underscores the importance of community cooperation.
Crichton emphasised the role of community effort: “Many parents feel overwhelmed trying to provide for their children. It’s our responsibility to step up and ensure no child is left behind because of a lack of resources. We invite community members to make these specific school contributions and help children start the school year confidently.”
Contact SOJO Helping Hands Foundation at 071 336 731, email info@sojo.co.za or visit www.sojo.co.za for further details.
