Retired educators give back to rural schools

Fourteen learners from primary schools in Cooper Farm and Black Bank in Dannhauser had reason to smile this past week thanks to school teachers.
It wasn’t their school teachers though; it was a group of retired teachers who are giving back to less fortunate learners.

The Sisonke NATU Senior Educators are a group of former teachers who plough back into communities by assisting needy learners. The project started in 2010 with the retired teachers using their own money to make a difference. This year they spent approximately R14 000 on uniforms, with each teacher contributing R500 for each learner in the two schools. The event was graced by parents of the learners and members of the community.

In previous years, learners from Annievale and Kilkeel also benefitted, thanks to the teachers.
Sbongile Ntuli, one of the retired educators explained that they decided to donate uniforms upon seeing the condition of the learners uniforms. She added that many learners were ridiculed for their uniforms and were in desperate need of help. She also urged business people and other former educators to assist in their schools by donating uniforms to needy pupils.
“No child should be deprived of education when there are so many fortunate people in the country,” she said. Primary school principal Mr Motaung.

“We should stop relying on government. We should make the difference ourselves. The government is us,” she added.
The principal of Cooper Primary School, Mr Motaung, thanked the retired educators and urged them to continue helping those who are in need. Andiswa, one of the deserving learners, expressed her joy at receiving the new uniforms.
“We are all feeling so happy about this wonderful gift. We do not have enough words to explain how grateful we are. Thanks a million,” Andiswa said.

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