City of Joburg empowers learners of Mofolo
The purpose of the visit was to uplift learners with words of encouragement while also providing essential hygiene products to the girls and backpacks to the boys.
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) speaker of council Nobuhle Mthembu, the Department of Public Safety and Al-Imdaa Foundation, visited the Esiyalwini Junior Secondary School in Mofolo North on February 19.
The purpose of the visit was to uplift learners with words of encouragement while also providing essential hygiene products to the girls and backpacks to the boys.
Speaking to Soweto Urban News, Mthembu said the visit had to remind learners that there are no limitations in life and opportunities they can grab to succeed.
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“We aim for the learners to recognise the opportunities available in the municipality, particularly in disaster management, as they support learners interested in pursuing a career in disaster management.
“The foundation is also present to listen to the school’s needs and provide support wherever possible,” said Mthembu.
Mthembu added when looking at the statistics from local schools, there are numerous challenges the learners are facing, such as dropping out, abusing drugs and alcohol and also engaging in sexual activities. Unfortunately, the education statistics are concerning.
Through the visit, they attempt to remind them that education is essential.
Al-Imdaa Foundation head of emergency disaster, Irfaan Ahmed, said they visited the school to create awareness because it is summer when the floods are severe along with heavy rainfalls. Many school learners experience this, therefore, they are raising awareness so that learners do not become victims.
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“We designed our back-to-school programme and the disaster awareness initiatives to give back to the school.
“We have provided the learners with school bags and hygiene packs to help keep girls in school, as we understand the importance of maintaining their dignity.
“We are now discussing establishing a nutrition program for the learners at the school,” said Ahmed.
Esiyalwini Junior Secondary School principal Pule Koape said the visit encouraged him and the learners to focus more on teaching and learning.
