NPO in Phola committed to ending social ills by donating school uniforms
The school uniform drive is personal to Sibusiso because he knows first-hand the struggle of going to school without a proper school uniform.
“My mission is to collect and distribute school uniforms and restore hope, dignity, and confidence in those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds,” says Sibusiso Mabena (36), the founder of the NPO, Sibusiso Mabena Foundation.
The NPO recently embarked on a school uniform donation drive, intending to provide disadvantaged learners with school shoes and uniforms.
The community-driven initiative has made a positive impact in Phola, as its sole mission is to eliminate social ills and poverty in townships.
“Our foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, to effectively achieve our mission. I believe that every child deserves to feel comfortable, regardless of their financial situation,” Sibusiso shared.
Sibusiso was born and bred in Ward 31 in Phola; he attended the Sukumani Primary School and completed his high school education at Mabande Comprehensive High School.
“The organisation was established in 2018. At first, it was called Lethushintsho Community Organisation, and then in 2022 it was changed to Sibusiso Mabena Foundation,” said Sibusiso.
He also shared that the school uniform drive is personal to him because he knows first-hand the struggle of going to school without a proper school uniform, especially school shoes, and he has made it his mission to ensure that no child has to go through what he went through.
“Growing up, I often wore worn-out, ill-fitting shoes that made me feel self-conscious and left me in discomfort. I remember the pain of being left behind.
I understand the impact that proper school uniforms can have on a student’s life. That’s why I am dedicated to helping others avoid the struggles I faced,” Sibusiso added.
When asked where his passion for helping learners’ stems from, Sibusiso acknowledged that it was his primary school teacher who restored his dignity and hope growing up.
“But I won’t forget my primary school class teacher who restored hope, dignity, respect, and self-confidence by buying me new school shoes, school uniform, and other things, I remember the joy and confidence that came with receiving a new pair of shoes,” Sibusiso remembered.
It goes without a doubt that Sibusiso has established a community of support that provides learners with the resources they need to thrive.
“We collect new and used school uniforms from community members and donate to students in need.
We also donate toiletry packs with sanitary towels as we know that disadvantaged girls don’t attend school for about three to five days because of not having sanitary towels,” Sibusiso explained.
The organisation managed to assist more than 1 000 learners with the help of relevant structures, support groups, and other stakeholders.
“I collect even gently used school shoes, fix them if there’s a need, and donate to promoting comfort, confidence, and equality in the classroom.
My dream is to see every student who comes from a disadvantaged background have a new pair of school shoes because having comfortable school shoes helps achieve freedom from pain and discomfort, boosts confidence, promotes equality among peers, and breaks down socio-economic barriers,” Sibusiso ended.
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