Needy learners receive school shoes donation
Christmas came early for learners at Umtholo and Zonkizizwe primary schools when they received donations of school shoes from Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre (EMHTC) recently.
“Embracing the future of the nation” was the theme of the day.
The donation was made by a kind-hearted man, Femi Salami-Laniyan, from StandOut Logistics.
He donated 71 pairs of shoes to deserving learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Phumlani Simelane, EMHTC communications and marketing officer, said the learners who received school shoes were those who attended a school holiday programme in June.
“During that programme EMHTC was aiming to help primary school learners who have lost one or more of their loved ones,” said Simelane.
He said the learners spent the week engaging in various activities to help them with the healing process.
According to Norman Mokoena, the principal at Zonkizizwe Primary School, the staff from EMHTC did more than donate school shoes.
“You are also investing in their future,” he said.
He thanked Zodwa Mzondo, the executive director at EMHTC who represented Salami-Laniyan.
Busisiwe Ngema (12), a Grade Seven learner from Umtholo Primary School, was one of the recipients of the donated school shoes.
Ngema said: “As you walk out of this school today, I want to tell you to always remember that you have played a big part in changing our lives. These shoes will change our lives in a positive way. People who used to undermine us because we had no shoes will change their attitude towards us. It will boost our self-esteem. As a result our academic performances will also be boosted.”
