Lerato Educational Centre strives to change lives
Lerato Educational Centre is striving to make a difference in the lives of poor and needy children in the Lerato informal settlement. René Parker and her team are empowering and impacting lives on a daily basis at the grassroots level through the sport teams.
ALBERTON- The Lerato Educational Centre is striving to make a daily difference in the lives of poor and needy children in the Lerato informal settlement.
Sister Mary Hughes helped to start the centre about 15 years ago and today the center is run by a board of trustees and Sister Helen Hartnet manages the Educational centre and reports to the board. René Parker manages the soccer and netball teams and has been involved with the centre for a number of years. René visited the settlement and the need of the children compelled her to get involved on a more regular and practical basis.
Every July, learners from the surrounding areas come to help with the preparation of lunch and to play soccer with the children. René says they have had volunteers from Waterstone College, Marion College, Bracken High School, St Martins School, Covenant College and several other schools as well.
“It is good for privileged teenagers to be exposed to the reality of this life. They become more compassionate and grateful for what they have. I hope I’ve instilled in them the desire to inspire others to make a difference as well. It’s easy to donate food or give old clothing, but to come in and spend time with these very poor and needy children just changes their frame of mind,” said René.
She has also started a netball team, a boys soccer team and recently added a girls soccer team to the mix. “Taking these teens off the street and on to the field to play sport and become part of a team is mind-blowing. The change in them is phenomenal. A lot of the boys are heads of homes, who bring up their siblings and now have become the perfect role models for them.”
Local resident Joseph Mahlatsane is the soccer coach and mentor, who looks out for the 45 strong boys squad and the 13 new soccer girls. Recently, five boys were scouted by the Diggers Soccer Club.
If you want to become involved in this life changing sport , contact René on 083 414 6144 or email reneparker4@goal.com. Should you want information regarding the educational programme, you can contact Patsy Parker on 082 566 3388.
