The Lerato Educational Centre strives to change lives
Sister Mary Hughes helped start the centre about 15 years ago.
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 start the centre about 15 years ago. The centre is run and managed by a board of trustees and Sister Helen Harnet deals with the day-to-day running of the centre and reports to the board.
René Parker, the manager of the soccer and netball teams, has been involved with the centre for a couple of years.
Every July, learners from surrounding areas visit the centre and play soccer and other games with the children. The visitors also help with the preparation of lunch. René says they have had volunteers from Waterstone College, Bracken High, Covenant College, Marion College and St Martin’s, as well as several other schools.
“It is good for privileged teenagers to be exposed to the reality of this life. They become more compassionate and aware of what they have. I hope I’ve instilled in them the desire to inspire others to make a difference as well. It is easy to donate food or give clothing, but to spend time with these children just changes their frame of mind.” says René.
René started the netball team and boys’ soccer teams and recently added the girls’ soccer teams to the mix.
“Taking these young people off the street and putting them on 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 sibling and now have become role models for them.”
Local resident Joseph Mahlatsane is the soccer coach and mentor. He looks out for the 45 strong boys’ squad and the 13 new soccer girls, as well as the netball girls. Recently five boys were scouted by Diggers Soccer club.
If you want to want to be part of this life changing sports programme, contact René Parker on 083 414 6144 or email reneparker4@gmail.com. Should you require more information about the education side of Lerato and all the other programmes, contact Patsy Parker on 082 566 3388.
