Three learners benefit from adopt-a-cop initiative

Three Grade Seven learners from Umkhathizwe Primary School in Thokoza benefited from the adopt-a-cop initiative on March 3.

March 6, 2020

Aaron Damane 1 minute read

During the initiative, communications officer at Thokoza Police Station Capt Buyisile Mvelase, representatives of the CPF from the police station, Letsoho Shopping Centre staff and Transnet staff visited the school to donate school uniforms to the three learners.

Mvelase adopted the school during the back-to-school campaign at the beginning of the year.

The adopt-a-cop is an initiative by SAPS that sees police officials from various police stations around the province adopting schools of their choice to look after the crime-prevention needs of the schools.

Mvelase said she identified during the SAPS visit to the school at the beginning of the year that there were learners* who were in need of uniforms.

“With the help of the teachers, three vulnerable learners were identified,” said Mvelase.

“The aim of the initiative is to fulfil learners’ rights to education and make sure that not having a school uniform does not stop them from achieving their dreams. I believe this will help improve our community’s well-being.

“For our provincial government to come up with adopt-a-cop means they are committed to investing in the future of young people,” she said.

Khosi Nkosi, the school principal, expressed appreciation for the kind gesture.

“Not having a proper school uniform kills the learners’ self-esteem because their schoolmates mock and laugh at them.

“This will help them attend school with the aim of getting better results,” said Nkosi, who also thanked Thokoza SAPS for showing interest in what they are doing as a school.

One of the learners who benefited from the uniform donation said he wants to be a human rights lawyer when he grows up. The 13-year-old said he lives with his mom, grandmother and uncle, who are all unemployed.

“I would like to grow up and study hard to achieve my dream so that I can be one of the best human rights lawyers and stand a good chance of coming back and changing the situation at home,” said the learner, who wants to study at the University of Johannesburg.

He thanked all those who donated uniforms to them and said this will change their lives for the better.

*Names of learners withheld to protect their identity.