Cathy Matsapola, who is turning 50 in October calls on the community of Roodepoort to help make her dream of seeing 50 school-going children each have a pair of school shoes.
While Cathy is not registered with any NPO, this change-maker says that she is an individual who enjoys being an agent of change in her community and refers to herself as a community developer, who is passionate about helping people.
“I am a woman who believes in making a change and bringing a smile,” she said.
This project, which is her third project to date, stems from the need she observed within the community whereby children sometimes do not have school shoes and to some extent, even school uniforms to wear and she says that she would like for children to be empowered through education, however, the situation does not speak to a smooth learning experience as learners struggle a lot.
“Let me not limit it to just shoes, however, this project applies to anyone who can give, even if it is just white shirts or socks,” she explained and added that, “most projects such as this focus only on children who are in homes and places of safety, but the ones closest to us, not so much, and that’s what I don’t want. I want 50 children to also be blessed,” she said.
Some of her previous projects involved incorporating her children and children from their church. Her children each had to draw a random name and buy a Christmas outfit for that person. She also gained sponsorship from a Johannesburg market, which provided them with fruits and vegetables as part of the outcomes.
She said that she wants her children to learn to give.
The timeline of this project is not limited, but rather ongoing, however, she plans to have the 50 school shoes by the end of September, especially given the fact that it is winter.
Cathy says that she is passionate about restoring the dignity of struggling children and aims to encourage them to say that ‘it is only through education and the help of God that they will be able to change their family backgrounds’.
She notes that it is not about her, but rather what can be done as a community, in essence, community involvement.
She urges people who are willing to help to get in touch with her via phone on 060 738 4561, email at cmatsapola@yahoo.com or by searching her Facebook. She added that she is based near the Wilrogate Shopping Centre, Princess Crossing, Cradlestone Mall and Westgate Shopping Centre.
