NPO leads schoolchildren in clean-up campaign of play park in Elandshoek
According to the NPO's founding CEO, Suzan Mbazima, the park's untidiness was a safety hazard for the children, but this was nipped in the bud.
The Outreaching Lives Foundation and 58 pupils of Entabamhlophe Combined School and Luvolwethu Pre-school embarked on a clean-up campaign at the communal park next to the community hall to commemorate International Nelson Mandela Day on Thursday July 18.
The foundation’s founding CEO, Suzan Mbazima, said the campaign was aimed at uplifting this community structure, as the children’s safety concerns had been raised.
“The park was untidy and some of the playground structures needed to be repainted, not to mention some of the swings were broken, which caused a hazard to the children who play at the park. We had sponsors and community members who assisted with lunch for them on the day, cleaning and painting the equipment, and transporting the kids. We involved the children in the campaign so they are also educated on keeping the park clean when they use it.
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“We call for the City of Mbombela to fence the area off so that children are safer while they play, and that it can keep out those people who leave broken glass and rubbish at the park,” she said.
Mbazima said the schoolchildren were also encouraged to always remember Nelson Mandela’s philosophy and to serve others in order to make a better life for all.
She said this campaign was no different to what the NPO strives to achieve since its establishment in 2020. “I grew up in an underprivileged background, which has pushed me to take care of children in various communities in Mpumalanga, not only in Elandhsoek. I collect clothes and school uniforms on a regular basis to donate to underprivileged children. I also provide sanitary towel packs to schools to distribute to girls who cannot afford any, and conduct school visit programmes where I invite community stakeholders to engage with the kids,” she said.
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Mbazima said a goal of the foundation is to reach further communities and form partnerships with stakeholders to support underprivileged children.
