Ubuhle Bezwe Child Care Centre, which is based in Tembisa and looks after children of all ages, recently received a helping hand from Bradford Pre-Primary School in Vorna Valley.
“In line with our corporate strategy of being a responsible corporate citizen [or corporation], Bradford developed a social investment programme aligned with the country’s priorities,” said the school’s principal, Ngoni Sagiya.
Sagiya said the initiative is also aimed at creating awareness about social responsibility among the children at Bradford so that they may grow up to be socially responsible leaders. “We also hope to raise awareness within the Midrand Community and corporate world to participate in assisting the less privileged,” Sagiya said.
She said they chose to help the home because they were touched after learning about the background of the centre. “The home’s founder, Barbra Mthimkhulu, after seeing children suffering in her community, took it upon herself to open up her home and heart in the year 2000,” said Sagiya. The care centre currently supports 75 children with food, clothing and shelter. “The founder’s response was warm and receptive.”
In order to get their plan rolling, the first step of the programme entailed a joint donation initiative involving parents of children enrolled at Bradford and school employees.
“Parents and employees were requested to donate clothing, books, toys and toiletries. The initiative was a great success as there was overwhelming support from most parents and all of our staff. The initiative would not have been a success without their contributions,” said Sagiya.
On 28 May, the donated items were handed to the child care centre. “The donation was well received at the home and put smiles on the children’s faces.”
The school said they would not stop there. “We plan on implementing a long-term social development programme aimed at creating a high impact to the children of Ubuhle Bezwe as they have plenty of needs varying from blankets, food, books, stationery, school bags and toys.”
Details: ubuhlebezweorphanage.org.za
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