Dignity restored as learners receive school hampers
The donation was facilitated by the South Durban Basin Area Based Management (SDB ABM) Office.
INSPIRED by Nelson Mandela, to restore dignity to learners, the lives of 99 children in the South region of the city were made a little easier after Transnet donated hampers to nine schools on Friday, 12 February.
The donation was facilitated by the South Durban Basin Area Based Management (SDB ABM) Office. Hampers contained a new pair of school shoes, a backpack, a face shield, socks, hand sanitiser and a buff. Transnet approached the municipality to identify needy learners upon their return to school.
Eurakha Singh, Head of the SDB ABM said, “We are so appreciative of this kind gesture and the commitment by Transnet to equip underprivileged learners and improve the quality of their lives. We worked with the local war room and these schools were identified. We then tasked the principal of these respective schools to select the beneficiaries.”
Ayanda Mantshongo, Executive Manager of Corporate Affairs at Transnet said that the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus has placed many families on the backfoot and brought about financial challenges within communities.
“This is a small and humble contribution to restore the dignity of children. Children should not have to worry, but rather focus on their studies. “We wish learners the brightest of futures and we want to inspire them to never give up hope and excel in school.”
Grade 6 learner at Gardenia Primary School in Wentworth, Mihali Mapiki was one of the beneficiaries of the hamper and she excitedly said: “I am very happy. My family is struggling financially, and I was stressed about going to school without these items. A big thank you to the municipality and to Transnet. We are so grateful.”
Gardenia Primary Principal, John Oliver alluded that the items will go a long way and fills an enormous gap in the community.
