The Solidarity Helping Hand gave out more than 250 school bags to grade one pupils this week.
The annual Schoolbag Project started in 2007 because more parents could not afford school fees or basic foodstuff.
The local Roodepoort branch of the project chose Laerskool Dr Havenga, Laerskool Florida, Laerskool Roodebeek and Laerskool Generaal de la Rey to visit.
Adrian and Mariette van de Werken from Solidarity said the reason for this project was to allow pupils who are underprivileged to start their school careers on an equal footing with all their classmates.
Over the next few days, grade one teachers will identify pupils who are in need of the school bags. The backpacks are filled with school stationary including crayons, puzzles and a reading book.
“We believe the children are the future and if we can have a positive impact at such a stage in their lives when they are beginning the first year of their schooling, then we will help,” they said.
Primary schools are nominated by Helping Hand volunteer branches.
