Parents, teachers and pupils prepare for SleepOut

With just over two weeks to go until the second instalment of the CEO SleepOut, more than 30 schools are already gearing up to spend a cold night under the stars for charity.

The main SleepOut event will take place on 28 July on the Nelson Mandela Bridge and will see business leaders sleep outside to raise funds.

The School SleepOut is also set to take place on the same night and will see parents, teachers and pupils spend the night outdoors on their school grounds to raise funds for a beneficiary of their choice.

Danielle Meikle, principal of Midrand-based Beaulieu College, explained the importance of the school getting involved in the initiative. “Firstly, we hope it will raise awareness about the severe circumstances under which many disadvantaged children and adults live and the harsh realities they are exposed to in this city and country. It also allows pupils to appreciate what they often take for granted,” she said.

“Secondly, we want to show our pupils what it means to move from a place of success to significance. This means that we need to look outside ourselves and share the responsibility of helping others.”

The school has adopted Sefikeng Primary School, situated on the premises of Leeuwkop Correctional Centre, and has committed to assisting with material resources to better equip teachers and pupils.

Other schools participating in the SleepOut include the King David Victory Park schools, Parkhurst Primary School and Dainfern College.

The School SleepOut aims to encourage pupils to develop empathy for the thousands of homeless and vulnerable South Africans, and to make a tangible difference to those in need through the school items the pupils collect for those less fortunate.

Schools are encouraged to take part in the global initiative and those interested must identify an outreach school in need, identify the items they need most – from food and books to clothes and stationery – and commit to gathering and delivering those items.