MOST will preach the importance of education and the doors it can open for those who acquire it, only a few will actually take the time off their busy schedules to assist those in dire need of necessities that will enable them to get the most basic education.
While most pupils in the former model C schools are dropped off at school by car, for most in rural communities this remains a far-fetched dream.
A five-year-old boy from Bashise Primary in Mvutshini’s dream to own at least one pair of school shoes remains a fairy tale. With winter approaching, one wonders how he, with many others in a similar situation, will survive walking the long, often muddy, trips to and from school with no shoes.
The boy, who stays with his grandmother, walks about two kilometres on bare feet and it raises the question of how pupils can be expected to perform well when their struggles are portrayed on their feet.
Just two months ago robust back-to-school and dress-a-child campaigns were put into place. Politicians, celebrities and ordinary people posted back-to-school pictures on social media, boasting about having helped a child in need. One wonders if these campaigns are not solely done for PR purposes, as throughout the year there seems to be no hype on lending a helping hand to those in need.
Feeling great pain as he watches other schoolchildren play and walk around warmly protected by their shoes, he said his only dream was to be like other pupils and own a pair of shoes.
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