“Every child deserves to be on the stage and to showcase their talents at least once in their lives.”
These are the words of Laerskool Die President’s principal Sybrand van Dyk regarding the school’s upcoming concert or revue as they call it.
However, for 50 learners at the school, the harsh reality is they will not be given the opportunity to do this as they cannot afford the R350 needed to cover the cost of costumes for the concert.
“We, unfortunately, need funds for the event as we need costumes, props, sound and lighting, etc and as a school, we cannot afford to sponsor the children,” said Sybrand.
“We are in extreme financial difficulty and need monetary donations as a matter of urgency for the upkeep of the school.”
Adding to the school’s financial woes was the break-in at the school in April where thieves made off with copper piping, taps and flushmasters from the bathrooms.
The school had to find money (with the help of the community) to repair the damage and replace items.
The GCN visited the school on Thursday and watched as Grade R learners practised their dance moves on stage.
The children were enjoying themselves thoroughly as they tried to come to grips with the moves.
But there were a number of sad faces in the hall as those who cannot afford to participate sat on the sidelines watching.
This was heartbreaking to all involved.
The children’s faces said it all and the GCN has decided to partner with the school in an attempt to raise the funds needed for all the children to participate.
The newspaper is also planning to partner with the school in future projects.
The GCN is appealing to community members and businesses to get on board and help the children have their moment in the spotlight.
It will cost you R350 to put a smile on the face of a child and allow them to participate in the concert.
Overall a total of R17 500 is needed to make sure each child can participate.
All donations will be acknowledged in the GCN so please give your first name and surname and/or business name when making your donation whether via EFT or directly at the school.
All donations need to be made by September 15 so that the school can proceed with finalising the revue numbers and start making costumes.
Sybrand said he is happy to show his income and expenses account with regard to the revue so that people can see that their donations have gone directly to a child in need.
Your donation is also tax deductible and the school can issue you with the necessary tax paperwork, as well as a sponsorship letter if required.
ALSO READ:
Laerskool Die President benefits from the community outreach blanket programme by Rest-A-While
School regathers and regroups after shocking break-in
This year’s revue is entitled Die President Symphonia: Around the World Tour and the children are looking forward to taking the audience on an entertaining journey.
The dates for the revue are set for four days, from October 15 to 18.
“How do these children feel as they see their friends participating and they can’t?” said Sybrand.
“It really is not nice for them.”
The school is dedicated to providing quality education to its learners but in order to do this, it needs money.
There are 609 learners in the school, of which 111 cannot afford to pay school fees.
“However, in July alone only 15 per cent of the parents who said they could afford school fees paid, so the school is operating with a massive shortfall.
“This is a huge worry and I appeal to parents to please pay their school fees,” Sybrand said.
The school is appealing for a sponsor to come on board and assist it on a regular basis to help with the upkeep of the school.
Children are also fed through the school’s feeding scheme and helped with school uniforms.
If you would like to make an EFT donation towards helping a child participate in the revue, the banking details are as follows:
Absa Primrose
Account Number: 250650035
Branch Code: 334542
Reference: Revue
Please include your full name so you can be thanked properly in the GCN.
You are also welcome to make a cash donation at the school situated in Astronomy Road, Fishers’ Hill.
Don’t forget to give your details when making the donation.
For more information contact the school on 010 020 8357 or the GCN on 011 822 1792.
Let’s help put smiles on children’s faces and give them time to shine on stage.
“If we are not going to stand up and speak for these children, who will?” said Sybrand.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
