Iphutheng Primary School has commended the commitment of a parent to the education of its pupils.
This after parent Agnes Mabape organised a donation of 38 office chairs, 606 pencil and stationery cases, and a cheque for R10 000 from law firm Scorpion Legal Protection. Mabape works for a cleaning service company which services are used by the law firm.
The school is dependent on a government grant for most of its pupils who are from poor backgrounds. The deputy principal Julia Thobakgale said Mabape’s actions were rare and exemplary.
“Parents don’t only have to leave education responsibilities to the teachers and just partake in school meetings, but should help to equip the school to augment the government grant. Her contribution is testimony of the school’s good relationship with parents and the community,” Thobakgale said.
She added that the chairs would enabled the staff room to be fully utilised and the stationery cases were enough for distribution to all foundation level pupils. “The cheque will be used to revamp the foyer which is the face and reception area into the school. It needs a facelift with display cabinets for our trophies and the vision and mission statement for the school.”
Mabape was inspired to secure the donation because of the school principal, Mike Thobejane’s leadership qualities and guidance in providing children quality education. “He [Thobejane] and teachers are surrogate parents who educate our children from a foundation stage,” said Mabape. “We parents should be thankful and assist the school wherever possible.”
The regional manager of Scorpion Legal Protection Welile Nodada said their donation related to their corporate social investment initiative which targeted disadvantaged schools, orphanages and old age homes. “We hope for a longer term relationship with her company and the school,” he said.
Details : Iphutheng Primary school : 011 443 4007
Do parents contribute meaningfully to improving education in disadvantaged schools?
