Pupils of Zimasa Primary School, in Langa, and their parents, were thrilled to receive a donation of 450 school bags from the Ikusasa Lethu Foundation on Friday May 11.
The foundation said it wanted to change young people’s lives, particularly those from poor families.
The foundation, which was formed by a group of young people last year, said it wanted to ensure that each child’s basic needs were met to improve their chances of progressing in their studies.
The organisation said raising a child was everyone’s responsibility.
Founding member of the foundation, Khaya Qikane, said they wanted to see all township children finish school so they could rescue their families from poverty.
Most of the children in the township came from households where parents were unemployed, while high drop-out rates, poor infrastructure and a lack resources were just some of the problems that plagued township schools.
“ It is painful to see pupils carrying their books in plastic bags,” he said.
“That can destroy their confidence and result in absenteeism. We are appealing to the local business people to invest in the future of the township children. It is up to us to support them and turn their hardships into opportunities.”
School principal Fezile Mguquhwa praised the foundation.
He said schools needed community support to stop pupils dropping out because the reality was that the government could not do everything.
Mr Mguquhwa urged parents to encourage their children to read.
Parent Nozuko Mpahlale said the foundation had come to her aid just as she had been worrying about how she was going afford to buy another school bag for her child.
