Help them build a pre-school
BUCCLEUCH – The fundraising initiative aims to raise R1 million through the 27 day walk
Two local men have challenged themselves to walk 874km from Johannesburg to Mthatha in 27 days to raise funds to build a pre-school in the Eastern Cape.
Born in Mthatha and raised in the small village of Xhora, 50km south of Mthatha, Buccleuch resident Onke Sitwayi said he felt passionate about seeing children receive foundational education.
“I never went to pre-school because there was not enough space in Xhora. In primary school, after assembly we had to walk for 30 minutes to a classroom. This is about giving back to the next generation and the generation before us who has taught us so much,” added Sitwayi.
He will be walking alongside his friend and Sunninghill resident Aphendule Pakade.
The pair will walk an average of 34km each day, sleeping overnight in a caravan and planting trees along the route. They aim to raise R1 million to build a brick structure for the pre-school, which used to be housed in a shack with a longdrop as a toilet.
“Children are currently being forced to go straight to primary school. We want to build a school surrounded by art and inspiration. We want to be part of building creative people,” said Sitwayi.
“This walk is bigger than just building a pre-school. It’s about building Ubuntu and a spirit of caring about someone else. We live in a world of materialism and we are so disconnected from ourselves and nature. We want to show youth that we can take the power. We don’t need to depend on government. We hope to inspire others to do even greater things.”
The pair chose to walk for 27 days, starting on 15 January and ending on 11 February – the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison. They have also chosen to walk for 27 days to represent the 27 years Mandela spent in prison.
Pakade said he hoped that their walk would be about breaking chains to freedom for youth.
Local residents are encouraged to support the walk by donating funds for the pre-school.
Follow the walkers on Instagram @dreamoutloudsa. Email dreamoutloudafrika@gmail.com to find out about sponsorship and donations.
