Local leaners benefit from back-to-school drive

Sisterhood Foundation SA together with Athena’s Beauty Spa recently embarked on a back to school campaign aimed at assisting learners kick off the 2024 academic year with dignity.

Through the campaign, stationary and school uniform was collected and donated to deserving learners from Eldorado Park, Riverlea and Westbury.

The handover of all donated goods was done this past weekend where 200 children became beneficiaries of the much needed school stationary while an additional 30 learners received school uniform and shoes.

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According to Alicia McPherson -Solomons from Sisterhood Foundation, the aim of the back to school campaign was to lighten the load for parents as they have a lot to take care of at the beginning of the year with schools reopening.

It was also aimed at making sure that every child in the community feels special and has some dignity as they begin the new academic year.

“We work with children in our community through our robotics and other youth programmes and we got to understand how it makes them feel to start the year without stationary and uniform,” explained McPherson –Solomons.

“There is something special about showing up at school with your new stationary and uniform and it is important for every child to not feel left out.”

Not only does the donated stationary and uniform help learners with their school work but it also boosts their confidence and make them feel part of the school community.

McPherson –Solomons said it is always important to remind children that they must not let their home situation define their future but through education, they can change their lives for the better.

“If we want our children to achieve success and excellence, we need to equip them with everything they need, hence we started this campaign four years ago,” she explained.

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In its fourth year, the campaign has proven to be a success in the community by drawing support from locals and businesses.

Residents including friends and family of Sisterhood Foundation and Athena’s Beauty Spa have come on board to financially support the initiative and McPherson –Solomons sent words of appreciation to them all.

She also thanked Shoprite, Boxer and BIC for their contribution to the campaign as well by donating stationary and shopping vouchers.

Meanwhile, Sisterhood Foundation is currently working on their annual Easter Drive aimed at spreading love and kindness to children over the Easter season.

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Through this campaign, they visit safe homes, GBV centres, hospitals and other places taking care of vulnerable children.

This is where they get to spend time with them before they distribute gifts. The foundation is asking anyone who is able to contribute to the campaign to do so by way of donating a box or two of Easter Eggs which will be distributed to the deserving children.

Anyone who wants to contribute and find out more about the Easter Drive campaign can contact Sisterhood Foundation via WhatsApp on 066 234 0400 or call 063 393 3301.