Figure skaters volunteer to help Mitzvah matrics learn to ice skate
NORTHGATE – Matrics from Mitzvah School skated on ice for the first time thanks to the kindness of volunteers from the South African Figure Skating Association.
Matrics from Mitzvah School were treated to a morning of skating at Northgate Ice Rink with members of the Central Gauteng South African Figure Skating Association (Safsa) for Mandela Day.
Mitzvah School in Morningside offers a one-year matric programme for underprivileged teenagers from Alex.
Life orientation teacher at the school and chairperson of Central Gauteng Safsa, Heather Skinner said, “The school has been running since 1987 when it opened to help children from the township who were under crisis conditions under apartheid… Many of these children would never have passed in the township schools and they work hard and pass with us.”
Skinner said the school achieved 100 per cent pass rate last year and hopes to do the same this year.
A total of 31 children were treated to two hours on the ice followed by lunch at Dakota Spur.
“Because I’m connected to figure skating, I thought this would be a wonderful idea. Most of these children have never learned to skate and our young skaters are more than happy to volunteer their time.”
She said many of the children come from extremely poor backgrounds and battle to pay the R300 monthly school fee. The school functions as a non-profit organisation, relying on sponsorship to sustain their work.
Sinovuyo Manzi (17) said, “This is my first time skating so I’m quite nervous and it’s challenging, but I’m learning to get it right. It’s fun to chat with the figure skaters and make new friends. We have been given such good opportunities and platforms to see bigger things through Mitzvah School.”
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Kgomotso Kekane (18) who excelled on the ice, spoke with Sandton Chronicle. “It’s a fabulous sport. I can’t say I’m perfect yet, but I’m trying. I’m so happy to be exposed to these good things through Mitzvah… My subject marks are pulling up and I am being encouraged to work hard and get even better results at the end of the year,” said Kekane.
Caitlin Player (12), who has been skating for eight years, was delighted to share her knowledge with others. “It’s been really fun and exciting. Some of them [matrics from Mitzvah School] are really good. I am thankful for the opportunity to help someone become a better skater.”
Detail: Mitzvah School 011 883 7177.
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