Despite the pandemic throwing a spanner in the works, Hoërskool Noorderland is motivated to reach their targeted number of units for blood donated by learners.
In the school’s first blood drive at the beginning of the year prior to the lockdown, the school managed to collect 25 units and they were looking forward to keeping that momentum.
The school’s blood drive controller, Martha Chuene Masopoga said they had a great start to the year and were hoping to get even better results as the year progressed.
She explained that things are going to take time to get back to normal and although their hands are tied in terms of donations, the peer promoters are working hard to keep the momentum going.
“Things are also a bit difficult right now because of the changes in the school calendar. Things have been happening in such a hectic manner that the focus right now is catching up academically, everything else is taking a back seat,” she said.
She is also working with the SANBS to find a way to still continue with blood donations and maintain the safety of the learners.
“In order to motivate the learners, we came up with the idea of exposing them to testimonies by people who benefitted from blood transfusions.
Peer promoter, Lesego Thabitha Sehwana said she misses the interaction between the peer promoters and educating on the importance of donating blood to save a life.
“It’s a good feeling to know that someone will have a better chance of recovery with the blood donated per drive,” she said.
She explained that with everything on hold at the moment, they keep check on their fellow learners and keep educating and encouraging them to do good.
“We are even encouraging them that if they see a blood drive station, they should not hesitate to go donate as their blood is our blood and our blood can save the world one blood pack per person,” she concluded.
Story: Miranda Chauke
