As a way to make a difference in the community on Mandela Day, the Ehlanzeni TVET College visited Mbombela Drop-in Centre on Thursday July 18. The centre assists 71 children from the community with their homework, teaches them life skills, provides lunch and does their laundry.
Gugu Matthews, Ehlanzeni TVET College’s deputy principal of innovation and development, said their aim is to support Mandela Day while making a difference. She said the centre was identified by the students while they were doing a school assignment.
ALSO READ: Two children hospitalised after head-on collision on KaNyamazane Road
“We came together with our partners, Internship Success. They prepared the land for the planting of trees. The TVET college donated six computers, chairs, two tables and cupboards. We also bought food for lunch, and SPAR donated something to eat for the little ones,” said Matthews.
They still have other projects they are doing with the centres. “There’s a company that will assist with the installation of toilets as the centre has only one. And from now on, they will have four toilets. We are looking forward that someone would be willing to install the ceiling so that the centre can be accredited.”
Molinah Malebana of the centre said it is open from Monday to Friday. The drop-in centre started when they realised some kids in the community have to stay home with their grandmothers, and they needed assistance. She said when they started it, they used to meet under a tree. Things changed when the Mdluli Trust gave them a building they can use.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Department of Education congratulates 46 students who graduated in Russia
“When these kids are at home with their grandmothers, they do not have any assistance when it comes to doing their homework and doing school projects,” she explained.
Malebana appreciates everything that was done for the centre. “We are happy to see the people who came out to make a difference for the children, and we want to thank them for everything.”
