Veritas College Grade Eight learners commemorated Mandela Day early by bringing smiles and much-needed essentials to residents at Rus ‘n Bietjie Old Age Home in Springs on July 16, reminding them that they are valued and appreciated.

The learners collected toiletries and other basic necessities before visiting the home, where they spent time interacting with residents and handing over the donations.

Grade Eight learners Geronorin Buitendacht and Tshiamo Mphokane, who helped lead the initiative, told the Springs Advertiser that the project was inspired by a desire to support elderly people whose contributions to society are often overlooked.

Buitendacht said they wanted residents who are less fortunate to feel loved, while Mphokane said that although their generation never had the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela, they recognised that many elderly people had also played an important role in building the country and deserved to be honoured.

“We believe that there are many aged people who are not as privileged as we are, so we decided to make packs for them so they feel loved,” said Buitendacht.

He described spending time with the residents as a heartwarming experience. Buitendacht said learners contributed money that was used to buy essential items, including roll-on deodorants and face cloths.

He shared that the visit taught him the importance of showing kindness to others. Buitendacht believes Mandela Day gives young people an opportunity to understand the struggles others have faced.

Encouraging other young people to get involved in community work, he added: “They should never be scared to give to other people.”

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Mphokane said that as juniors, they never got to meet Mandela. He expressed that while some of these people are not recognised like Mandela, they played their part in building this country.

“We wanted to give back to them because many of them have no one else,” he said.

To encourage participation, the organisers turned the collection drive into a friendly competition between the school’s houses to see which could collect the most donations.

The learners raised money and secured sponsorships to purchase toiletries and other essential items for the residents.

Mphokane said they specifically chose to support an old-age home because of the sacrifices older generations had made.

“We were able to put smiles on their faces, which was great because we are helping and giving back to the community,” he said.

Reflecting on the experience, Mphokane said the initiative reinforced the importance of caring for those in need.

He shared that there are always people who don’t have the basic things they need, and as young people we can help provide those essentials.

Rus ‘n Bietjie social worker Amanda Koen thanked the learners for their generosity, saying the visit meant far more than the donations alone.

She said that it means a lot to the residents because they are elderly and vulnerable and that they still want someone to talk to, to laugh with and to feel appreciated.

She explained that toiletries are among the home’s greatest needs.

“We do not receive a lot of donations of toiletries, so we have to buy everything for some of the residents, especially those who only receive a social grant.

“Soap, shampoo and shaving lotion for men are all big expenses. These donations help us a lot and allow us to save money while still giving our residents the best care possible,” she said.

Koen highlighted the importance of community support having a significant impact on residents’ wellbeing.

“When the community gets involved, it makes a big difference because the residents feel important and know that they are still valued,” she said.

She appealed to local residents and businesses to continue supporting the home.

“I would like to ask the community to visit us or contact us and donate anything we can use. Basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo are especially important because we have a great need for them,” concluded Koen.