Westonaria Primary School received 100 school uniforms and dignity packs which the Gauteng Department of Social Development donated to learners though a programme called Bana Pele (putting children first) on Friday, August 20.
Sibusiso Chauke, the Communication Officer: Media Liaison and Strategy for the Gauteng Department of Social Development said the initiative is spearheaded by the Gauteng Provincial Government, and seeks to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds with school uniforms, scholar transport and health services, among others.
“Officials handed out school uniform packs to deserving learners, which included items such as socks, vests, underwear, shoes, trousers, shirts, jerseys and backpacks,” Chauke said.
During the handover, the director of the Sustainable Livelihood Directorate, Shimi Molale said the project helps learners who feel inferior to their peers.
“As Social Development, we are custodians of the Children’s Act and are therefore responsible for their care and protection. We want our learners to concentrate on learning, because education is the key that will open doors for them in the future. Government will continue to give them the necessary support,” Molale said.
Principal of Westonaria Primary School, Billy Hutton added, “We are very grateful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for this gesture. Our children need uniforms as most of their parents are struggling to pay school fees.
“We will encourage learners to work hard on their studies so that they maintain the school pass rate of 90%, and to go beyond. We are appealing to our government to continue giving support to the learners and families in distress. We will forever be grateful to the department,” said Hutton.
Chauke said the school uniforms were manufactured by women-owned cooperatives in the province, as the department continues supporting local businesses and the economic empowerment of women.
