Learners sleep out in cold for a good cause

One hundred PEPPS Polokwane Community Club members, prefects and Grades 6 and 7 learners joined a sleep out last Thursday on their soccer field as part of their Mandela Day celebrations. The drive was coordinated by Sun International CEO SleepOutTM and by participating in this initiative the school’s voice was added to the global movement to eradicate homelessness.
The aim of the drive was for children to experience what it was to be homeless. The school also collected donations which will be distributed to a beneficiary who needs it.
PEPPS Polokwane has chosen Bana Pele Drop-in Centre in Mankweng as their beneficiary and pledges and other donations will be awarded to them. Bana Pele needs R4 000 or building material to build a structure on their stand in Mankweng.
Leaners were asked to bring certain items per class. Donations by the public included maize meal, long life milk, tinned foods, packets soup, rice popcorn seeds, sugar, oils, two minute noodles, tea, juice mixes, flour, eggs, fresh fruits and veggies, socks, blankets, salt, eggs, amasi, pillows, previously owned or new toys and clothing.
“We have chosen this cause particularly because of their (Bana Pele’s) commitment to assist the less privileged in the community. They also assist with education – and we believe education is a crucial step on the path to eradicating homelessness,” Rene Kidd, Educator at PEPPS said.
“Our learners will hopefully realise tonight they have a lot to be thankful for and hopefully the seed of empathy is sown.”
The entire school was involved in the food drive, but only Community Club members, prefects, Grade 6 and 7 learners were allowed to sleep at school and all the parents and their friends were invited to come and support the event. Donations were dropped off at the soccer field.
Eight teachers were responsible for the safety of the learners who slept at the school.
Hot chocolate and soup were served to learners and parents could engage with learners on a smartphone or tablet to share their experience.

Story and photos: NELIE ERASMUS
>>nelie.observer@gmail.com

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