Johannesburg Christian Academy extends a helping hand
Local school gives back to Turffontein Old Age Home by cleaning the facility.
A heart-warming event unfolded at the Turffontein Old Age Home, where the Johannesburg Christian Academy (JCA) lent a helping hand to clean the facility on August 4.
Driving the act of kindness was the school’s commitment to positively impacting the community and fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion in its learners.
Harris Mtamathumba, the principal of JCA, enthusiastically shared, “We want to impact the community. We want to contribute something meaningful by giving back. It is all about community service as we look for places where we can lend a helping hand.
“When we contemplated the places that could benefit from our help, the Turffontein Old Age Home immediately came to mind.
“Thus, we embarked on this initiative to clean and transform the environment, creating a space reflecting the dignity and comfort our elderly citizens deserve.
“The project’s scope, meticulously planned and executed, involved cleaning and revitalising the facility. The objective was to leave behind a clean environment that brought comfort and a renewed sense of belonging to the senior residents.
“This initiative showcased the practical efforts to enhance the surroundings, the value of intergenerational connection and the lessons it imparts.
“While the desire was to involve learners from the intermediate phase to Grade 12, careful consideration led to selecting Grade 10 to Grade 12 learners, with dedicated teachers from the intermediate phase.
The rationale was rooted in the need to provide effective support to the elderly residents and simultaneously impart valuable life lessons to the learners. We hope to teach these young people a lesson about their responsibilities as responsible members of society that would last a lifetime,” said Mtamathumba.
The principal thanked the facility management and the parents who extended their support, allowing their children to participate in this cause.
He said management played a pivotal role in granting permission for the act of kindness.
The principal encouraged those with the means and ability to help others and stressed the long-term impact of support and kindness.
Moses Mpeketula, a learner who participated in the initiative, shared, “I felt happy to be part of the initiative and felt I wanted to make a difference.”
Such community-driven efforts can shape the mindsets and characters of young individuals. Moses thanked the school for providing him with this transformative experience.
