Tea, coffee and empathy in Dainfern

Drive past Dainfern College on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning in winter, and you will see a very proud Motheo Llale managing the coffee and tea pit stop.

Here, Llale offers free coffee, tea and biscuits to the domestic workers, gardeners and support staff who are on their way to work in Dainfern.

“What is so amazing about Llale, is that this was a completely self-initiated project,” said Cheryl Coetzee, the deputy principal responsible for pastoral care, leadership and outreach at Dainfern College. “Without funding, specialised equipment or assistance, Motheo just made it happen,” added Coetzee.

“My helper, Paulina Tsotetsi, has looked after me since I was four months old. She often tells me about herself and her friends. They take long and cold taxi rides to get to work and we don’t always appreciate the people who work in our homes,” said Motheo.

Dainfern College noticed Motheo’s efforts and invited him to formalise the initiative as one of the school’s official outreach projects. These projects aim to uplift and support the local community. Llale made a formal presentation to the school management, including the manager of the Dainfern College Foundation, Tracey Blyth and they all jumped on board.

“Motheo’s initiative synergises perfectly with the foundation’s activities. After all, our payoff line is ‘multiplying our impact on the world around us’. And that’s exactly what Motheo’s tea and coffee pit stop does. He’s amazing,” said Blyth.

The foundation committed to sponsoring the tea and coffee that Motheo serves, while the school committed to logistical support through the supply of tables and equipment. Motheo’s father has proudly pledged his support and sponsored a gazebo and branding for the pit stop.

Diepsloot West Secondary School choir experiences Grahamstown National Arts Festival

Through Motheo’s coffee pit stop, the students of Dainfern College get the opportunity to appreciate the domestic staff who serve them. “The tea and coffee give them that extra boost before work,” said Motheo.

What initiative have you been involved in and why did you decide on that particular initiative? Share on the Fourways Review Facebook page.