At least 260 backpacks containing various items were donated to Grade 1s at two schools in Mohlakeng on Friday January 14 thanks to Roots Butchery.
Phandulwazi Primary School received 83 items and Malerato Primary School got 183 items that included exercise books, rulers, colouring pencils and even squeeze bottles – items the learners need to start the new school year.
Robert Pombo, owner of the Roots Butchery, said this was a simple initiative of giving back to the community. He added that he could only think of the children, many of whom coming from impoverished backgrounds.
When we discussed this idea with the school, they were quite happy and keen for their learners to benefit. As a business, all we wanted to do was help, and we hope that this small gesture will make their start to the academic year a good and a happy one,” Pombo said.
The donation of the items coincided with the programme of the Executive Mayor of Rand West City Local Municipality, Gladys Khoza, who praised Pombo for the initiative, saying that investing in education is important at the foundation level.
Busisiwe Nkala, principal of Phandulwazi Primary School expressed gratitude for the donation, saying that their learners will now have the luxury of carrying their stationery in proper bags.
Gerogina van Wyk, principal of Malerato Primary School said, “We are very grateful towards Roots for this initiative, because now learners will have stationery both at home and at school. This will definitely help them learn quicker. This is such a good gesture to start the new school year.”
