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Mamelodi School upgraded, learners clothed after windowless winter
A Mamelodi school has received a lifeline concerning upgrades which aim to bring relief after learners survived a winter without windows.
“Our learners had to endure the cold winter without windows. It’s a relief to have our broken windows replaced,” said school principal Mato Matji.
The school principal breathed a sigh of relief thanks to a married couple, also from Mamelodi, who donated 103 school shoes and sanitary towels to girls at Gatang secondary school.
The generous donations were made by Greg and Dikeledi Masondo and the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), as part of ploughing back into the community on Monday.
Matji said the school appreciates the generous donations received.
“The school is a no-fee school, therefore we are accepting any kind of donations to keep the school running.”
He said there is a lot that needs to be done at the school in terms of maintenance of ceilings and toilets.
“The school has more than 1,918 learners who are forced to share toilets among boys and girls,” said Matji.
Masondo conveyed a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the online call for school shoes.
“Your generosity is making a real difference.”
Greg Masondo, an executive officer at the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) and his wife, both teachers, said the project started providing school shoes to needy learners.
The motto is “The beauty of life doesn’t depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be because of you”.
He said Gatang Secondary School draws most of its learners from the informal settlement, and many of the parents are unemployed.
“Some learners come to school without proper shoes and uniforms, and this impacts adversely on their dignity and performance at school,” said Masondo.
He said when they realized that the challenges faced by these less fortunate children were greater than they had anticipated they decided to bring other players on board.
Masondo said during a tour of the school they realized that more was required.
“The school still needs to fix ablution facilities and ensure that teachers and learners work and learn in a safe environment,” he added.
“We are proud to work hand in hand with the PSCBC who recognize the right of learners to quality education as paramount.
“This initiative, which began with an online call for school shoe donations as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility program, is dedicated to supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they can focus on their education without facing social challenges,” said Masondo.
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