Teachers and pupils at Vuzamanzi Primary School in Site C and teachers were all smiles when the Motsepe Foundation donated more than 1 000 toys to the school on Tuesday November 20.
A total of 1 268 toys were donated to the school meaning that each and every pupil at the school received a toy.
Excited principal, Mcebisi Mnconywa, said life has more meaning when children smile and this is what the foundation has done to the school.
Mr Mnconywa said the reality was that many of the pupils lived with their grandparents or other relatives, and came from disadvantages backgrounds.
This, he said, meant their guardians would only be able to provide for their basic needs. He said last year the foundation assisted the school by building a safety room at a cost of R150 000.
As was the case at other township schools, he said, they faced many challenges and having the support of the foundation made their jobs a bit easier – and made a huge difference in the lives of the children.
“Playing plays a vital role in the children’s development. These smiles of children mean a lot to me. Toys is one of the things that all children wish to have.
“Many parents can’t buy toys as they have financial constraints. I urge them to continue being the shining light on the children’s faces. We are on cloud nine,” he said.
Grade 4 pupil, Unathi Mkoma, 12, said he was excited to have a toy as he does not have any at home and would now no longer have to beg to borrow his friends’ toys.