Teddy bears galore for Berea Primary learners

Gerald Fitzpatrick Home donated 434 Teddy bears to Berea Primary School learners on September 6.

The teddies were given to Grade Four, Five and Six learners.

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Organiser of the event, Thandeka Raphakga, said the aim of the event was to promote HIV/Aids awareness.

“It was also another way to teach children about the virus,” she said.

Raphakga said senior citizens at the home knit and crochet teddies as part of the community outreach projects which they do at the home.

“Teddy bears can ease stress, build confidence, soothe tears and aid in social development. It helps the child handle fear, anxiety, separation and the unknown.

“A Teddy bear actually helps a child to build self-confidence and therefore they can ask questions about HIV/Aids. Giving out teddies encourages children to speak,” she said.

Raphakga said they want to donate teddies to all government schools, especially in disadvantaged areas in Johannesburg.

“We chose Berea Primary School as the 2018 beneficiary,” she said.

Principal of the school, Olefetswe Ramaano, said the school approached them to do a presentation on HIV/Aids awareness for the learners as part of their community outreach programme.

“They also wanted their senior citizens to get involved in the programme, so they decided to knit. My vision is to open the school to the community and create a good working relationship between the school, the community and its structures,” he said.

Ramaano said the visit exposed his learners to structures and activities within the community and taught them to appreciate efforts that are taken by other people to make the world a better place.

“The visit is a learning experience for all of us in this school,” he said.

HIV/Aids activist Phindile Madonsela was the speaker of the day.

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