Local organisation makes a difference

Helping school children with their homework, providing the community with free after-care facility and nurturing the talent of young people has always been on Teboho Morake’s mind. This is the reason he started Thuto Lebotumo (Pty) Ltd in January 2018.

October 5, 2019

Aaron Damane 2 minutes read

Learners from different schools who attend afternoon classes at Thuto Lebotumo Pty Ltd with two of their tutors, Teboho Morake, chairperson and founder of Thuto Lebotumo (in a blue jacket) as well as Nyameka Ndlovu, secretary of the organisation (in a red cap at the back).

The founder and chairperson said because he has the best interest at heart for the community of Extension 28, he decided to offer the above-mentioned services to the community for free, since most of the children in Ext 28 come from destitute backgrounds.

“Starting the organisation came after noticing that children have problems academically. Some of them can’t read, while others are poor in spelling. Others can’t even answer simple questions, such as who the minister of education is. We also had an idea of alleviating social issues like teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.

“Three months back, I thought let me do something to meet teachers and parents halfway.

“In order to make my vision a reality, I had to start by going to a local library and ask for books that they no longer need. The books had to be in line with the current curriculum. Secondly, I had to find accommodation.

“The local library came on board by helping me with the books. Fire Tabernacle Prophetic Ministries International, in Ext 28, gave me their Sunday school class to use. After finding books and securing accommodation, I then went door-to-door and asked parents to allow their children to come and get help,” said Morake.

He said the organisation started with only 44 children but now it helps more than 140 children.

“What I like the most is that we have received compliments from teachers in different schools from around the township,” Morake told Kathorus MAIL.

Thuto Lebotumo’s secretary Nyameka Ndlovu said their focus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is on education, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays their focus is on nurturing the talent of learners who are interested in art and performances.

“We do this because we are aware that in the future, not all learners will succeed in life if they only focus on academics. Others will be able to put food on the table by using their arts skills. Even the curriculum says that,” said Ndlovu.

She said Thuto Lebotumo is an organisation that grooms learners from Grade R to Grade 12 to also enter talent shows that would open doors for them to be successful in arts.

Clr Linah Mkhize of Ward 64, where Thuto Lebotumo operates from, said the organisation is doing an amazing job. “I like the fact that they are taking children from the street and from drugs and assisting them with their homework. Sometimes, children do not improve academically because of us, parents. We do not care whether they do their homework or not. If they fail we blame it on their teachers.

“Thuto Lebotumo is making sure children do their homework and that they improve their reading skills. I advise parents to bring their children here so they will get help,” said Mkhize.

According to Luyanda Ndlovu (14), who attends classes at Thuto Lebotumo, the organisation is very helpful to them.

“Sometimes, we do not understand lessons in class because it is overcrowded and some of the learners who are not serious about their education disturb teachers while they are teaching. But when we get here, it is where we understand better because there are few people and our tutors have more than enough time to assist us individually,” said Luyanda, who is in Grade Eight at Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus.

Thuto Lebotumo operates between Monday and Friday from 2.30pm to 6pm.