Jeppe Girls knit for Mandela
Isma added that the project has closed the gap between generations.
“The Jeppe spirit during this project was incredible. We believe this spirit, together with our blankets, represent the ethos of former president Nelson Mandela, the rainbow nation he spent 67 years fighting for. It remembers his rousing declaration that, ‘Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.'”
This was said by the Jeppe High School for Girls’ headgirl, Isma Blade, while talking at a special assembly to collect blankets for the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela project.
Earlier this year, one of the school’s Old Girls, Mrs Carolyn Steyn, challenged the school to join in the project she is leading by knitting or crocheting 1 000 blankets to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day.
“Blankets are more than just a piece of cloth. They are a resource for warmth. We join the blankets together to make up one, colourful quilt,” she said.
Isma added that the project has closed the gap between generations.
“Many of the pupils spent more time with their parents and grandparents, learning to how to knit or crochet,” she said.
At the time of going to print, the number of blankets made by Jeppe High School for Girls pupils and other stakeholders was not yet confirmed.
Ms Claire Marais, from the school, said that the project was started by Mrs Steyn after a challenge from former president Mandela’s long time assistant, Ms Zelda la Grange.
“Ms La Grange challenged Mrs Steyn to make 67 blankets to be distributed to the needy on July 18, Nelson Mandela Day. After starting the project, Mrs Steyn recognised that she could not meet the deadline. She asked friends and family to help her. The project has grown since then. It is now also celebrated in other countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, USA and India,” said Ms Marais.
The blankets will be displayed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria before they are distributed to the needy.
