Centre receives 61 pairs of school shoes for needy pupils

Alex’s foremost charity organisation, Phuthaditjhaba (Gathering of Nations) Community Centre lived up to its child-beneficiaries’ expectation recently when it gave them 61 pairs of school shoes.

Some of the beneficiaries were from other affiliate organisations.

The shoes were donated by Respect and Ubuntu Foundation of Alex-born businessman George Moyo in partnership with a former MK military veteran Joshua Nxumalo. They added to the centre’s daily support to over 1 000 children and the elderly with the assistance of other partnerships. Philanthropist and centre founder Linda Twala said, ” We provide a platform for others to also do good and share their hearts in whatever way with particularly needy children who require a foundation to succeed, be good and morally upright citizens and leaders of tomorrow.”

The shoe donors he added, are forthright people concerned about nurturing and protecting children. “They donate annually also to emergency situations through food parcels and clothing to victims of floods, shack fires and other misfortunes.”

Twala said they maintained all partners’ support by sustaining quality programmes that empower children, keep them safe and motivated through daily activities of early childhood learning; after-school study and homework supervision; psychosocial support; nutritional feeding including food parcels for school and home consumption and blending them with the elderly who pass on to them values of respect and wisdom through storytelling.

“This helps to preserve and keep them away from temptations that lead to teenage pregnancies, ill-discipline and moral bankruptcy. He said some of their predecessors now operate their own businesses and are in leadership and responsible positions in the public, private sectors and community organisations. “They also excel in the Field Band’s annual competitions exposing them to career options in music and the performing arts.

Moyo urged everyone to be charitable to reduce inequality in the country saying government alone can’t cope with its magnitude from past history. “We promote Ubuntu as the foundation for every change and improvement of lives. This through supporting education, environment and sports initiatives which make the poor cope better in a competitive world, improve their environments and realise and rely on their talents to get out of poverty, “Moyo said.

Their flagship he added, was a full bouquet project at a rural Upper Corhona Primary School, Eastern Cape, where through partnerships, they donated uniforms to all 332 pupils, are rehabilitating infrastructure and sponsor teachers, feeding scheme and transport.

“Every learner deserves dignity also in Alex where the pairs of shoes will improve 61 pupils’ self-esteem and reduce the burden on their parents and the centre. They (shoes) will restore their dignity, give them hope and desire to be among others and to do better in school.”

Moyo said they also have adopted and donated school uniforms annually to Emfundisweni Primary School, which this year, received 50 pairs of school shoes and will fully digitalise the school.

The foundation’s Allan Murhawa added that the shoes will make children wake up thinking of and being proud to go to school and away from the bad company in the streets and in the process, uplift the community.

Details: George Moyo 083 700 6230.