Schoolgirl tackles hunger
SANDRINGHAM – A schoolgirl manages to get more than 100 food parcels for her peers, thanks to the Gift of the Givers' support.
Sandringham High School youngster Pakane Kekana has initiated a feeding scheme to address hunger and the lack of proper nutrition in her school.
Partnering with Gift of the Givers Foundation in Bramley View, Pakane managed to collect about 100 parcels to distribute to needy schoolmates. The Grade 12 youngster said this is her way of helping her peers – especially those who are vulnerable – to learn and participate in class.
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“We have taken this initiative to collect food parcels and [give] them to those who need them the most. We [established] that kids who were coming to school hungry lost concentration as they find it hard to cope in class without eating,” said Pakane.
She was granted permission by the school’s headmaster, Phillip du Plessis, and other teachers to start her feeding scheme. However, due to lack of time because of exams, she decided to improvise and handed out parcels to those in need.
“We packaged them in boxes and organised transport so that the parcels could be brought to our school. It was a journey at first, not knowing who to approach [to] pitch my vision of starting a feeding scheme, and that’s when I decided to approach Gift of the Givers Foundation to help sponsor food parcels,” said the young philanthropist.
About 100 parcels were handed to her and they were able to identify beneficiaries. She said they hoped to identify more needy recipients, and to help wherever they can.
Pakane thanked everyone who assisted and helped to make her vision a reality.
Details: kittykekana@gmail.com.
