More than 30 learners of eight primary schools received much-needed school shoes from the Dr Thulani Ngwenya Foundation (DTNF).
The DTNF restored dignity and brought back smiles on the faces of the little ones.
The handover was on Friday February 10 and this is another leg in a series of good gesture under the auspices of the DTNF in Mpumalanga.
The schools that received these gifts are Tenteleni, Thandulwazi, Catfulane, Vulamasango, Buhlebuyeta, Lekhweti, Masambisane and Lekazi primary schools.
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According to Dr Thulani Ngwenya, the founder of the foundation, their goal is to transform lives by acting as a vehicle for change.
“We said from the beginning that our aim is to be vessels of change in transforming ordinary lives, and where else to start than at school level? We spoke to the principals of the schools to identify those kids who could benefit more from this gesture, and we are pleased with the process.”
Ngwenya said the shoes will let these learners walk to school with pride and confidence.
“We believe this small, but significant gesture will go a long way in restoring the dignity of those children who were helpless as they did not have proper school shoes. Now they can look forward to going to class and be able to concentrate on their education. They will get a better chance at education, rather than giving up because of school shoes. This is our way of giving back to the community that made us what we are today. We are also saying to the young ones, do not give up,” he said.
The foundation that was only launched in September last year, is true to its vision as it is helping to bring about change and transform lives of young children to become beacons of hope and aspiration. It has also helped young people around the province to realise their dreams in sport.
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“We partnered with the South African Football Association Ehlanzeni region in hosting a week-long SAFA D-Licence Coaching course for aspirant coaches in Mpumalanga. This has helped both young men and women get their coaching certificates,” Ngwenya said.
“We have a big vision of helping people in our province and we will certainly achieve that by God’s grace. Currently we run this foundation from our pockets and some people chip in where they can but with God on our side, we will get more sponsors and we will go big,” he said.
