DRESSING in a school uniform helps a child have dignity, pride and confidence, which inspires better academic performance and reduces social anxiety amongst learners. This is the purpose of the Ekurhuleni mayor’s Adopt-a-School campaign which commenced on Thursday, January 28, at Thoko Thaba Secondary School in Thokoza, where 100 learners received brand new school uniforms.
Patrick Nkosi, a learner at the school, wore a torn jersey and different coloured pants to the other children. He was elated to receive a proper uniform, especially because the donation will bring relief to his grandparents. “My grandparents are going to be so happy when they see my clothes. Gogo has been trying to save money towards buying my school uniform. This is going to make my grandmother extremely happy. Thank you mayor, thank you,” said Patrick.
The Adopt-a-School drive continued again on Friday, January 29, at Winnie Mandela Secondary School in Tembisa where 200 school uniforms were donated to the school which the executive mayor adopted in 2014. Speaking to the learners at Winnie Mandela Secondary School, Clr. Mondli Gungubele stated that since the establishment of the Adopt-a-School initiative, the municipality has seen the positive effect it has had in assisting the less fortunate. “We will continue touching lives, this is not only about donating school uniforms but also about adopting schools and assisting them to address other socio-economic issues that learners in the identified schools are faced with,” said Gungubele.
The mayor further encouraged the learners to take their education seriously so that they may be able to enjoy the freedom that comes with the rewards of being an educated person in society.
By the end of this drive the City of Ekurhuleni would have contributed towards empowering over 400 learners from the three identified schools who will go through their educational journey with pride and a sense of belonging.
The school uniforms donated are inclusive of school shoes, socks and sanitary towels for the school girls.
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