While some pupils go to school without shoes it is a worry some time for some concerned individuals. It is because waking up in the cold morning is no-one’s favourite activity, but some do not have school shoes, warm jerseys and a pair of trousers to wear to school.
Edward Matyeka School is no exception to witnessing vulnerable learners going through the pain of going to school without school shoes or a jersey. The school’s welfare committee headed by Mrs Esther Mkhatshwa is always on alert to seek support for such learners.
This year assistance came from three different sources which helped to reduce the number of really needy learners at school.
Mr Thabo Matsobane was the first to become a saviour to some destitute learners of Edward Matyeka School. For the past four years Mr Matsobane built a relationship with the school. He has being buying uniforms, shoes, jerseys, shirts and trousers for underprivileged learners. This year he didn’t disappoint as he bought full uniforms for six boys and nine girls.
Three of Edward Matyeka Primary School pupils with the shoes they received from South 32 (formerly BHP Billiton) employees who bought 13 pairs of school shoes for the pupils. The pupils are with Mrs Esther Mkhatshwa, Mr Sibusiso Zwane and Mr Melvin Masilela.
“I’m not a business person or a rich person, I grew up in such conditions as these learners, I understand their plight. Therefore I wish to contribute in alleviation of their stressful situation” said Mr Matsobane.
He further challenged community members who can do something to do likewise by quoting Edmund Burke
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Not to be outdone Ms Pearl Mogoane and Neliswa Phandle came with the donation of 40 blankets for underprivileged learners to take home. Pearl and Neliswa said of their choice of donation
“What we see in these learners here at school is an indication that at home the situation is much worse, we therefore felt it’s best to donate blankets so that they will share them with their siblings at home.”
There are some orphaned learners who were attending at Edward Matyeka School but moved to Moruti Makuse School this year; they were not forgotten as five of the blankets were donated to Moruti Makuse to assist those learners.
The third gift came from a group of young colleagues from South 32 (formerly BHP Billiton) who decided to get together and buy 13 pairs of school shoes. Most learners are in need of school shoes as they walk long distances to school, this came as a big relief to many of the learners. Sibusiso Zwane and Melvin Masilela were delegated by the team to deliver the shoes and a message
Pupils of Edward Matyeka with the 40 blankets they have received from donors
“It is very imported not to forget where we come from; by giving back to the community we ensure that we give someone a future.”
The learners were as always thankful for the donations
“I was always feeling cold when I came to school, now I will feel warm”
remarked Lubisi Nandi who was one of the beneficiaries of the uniforms.
The principal Mrs Sellinah Sithole passed a heartfelt gratitude to the donors and encouraged them to do the same in future.
Quoting Mandela she said:
“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world”
