Parkview Pre-Primary School has launched a bursary to honour dedicated teacher and matriarch in the community Maria Lekgethisho.
Lekgethisho passed away suddenly last year, leaving a gaping hole at the local school.
The school held a party in celebration of Lekgethisho’s life on 10 March, raising R3 500 towards the start of the Maria Bursary.
Parkview Pre-Primary executive Debbie Brown said, “March 10 would have been Maria’s 43rd birthday. We wanted to pay tribute to a remarkable woman in a way that we knew she would love, a big party where children are smiling and dancing and shining their light on the world.
“Maria’s vibrant personality could light up every room so we thought a neon disco party would be a very fitting way to celebrate her life.”
Brown explained that by creating this bursary, the school hopes to give a child the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a great leader.
Head of the parents association at the school, Kathryn Matulovich, said that a child who is from a previously disadvantaged background whose parents live or work in the area will be eligible for the bursary.
Matulovich described Lekgethisho as a dedicated teacher and outstanding leader who had a profound impact on the lives of so many children. “Maria was passionate about early childhood development and making a difference in her community,” said Matulovich.
She said that Lekgethisho’s big smile, vibrant personality, wonderful Zulu lessons and fun holiday school activities are missed by all at the school.
Community members who would like to contribute to the bursary can contact the school on 011 646 2309 or email parkview@vodamail.co.za
