Learner awarded for heroic contributions to less fortunate

GRADE 2 learner, Ixolile Pikwa, was the recipient of the Pick n Pay Hero Award for her enthusiasm in bringing hope to those less fortunate for her involvement in a dry food collection drive at her school.

Determined to make a difference, the Bluff Christian Academy learner made it her mission to market the school’s Jar of Hope project, where learners and the community could donate pasta, rice, soup mix, lentils, stock powder and soup to fill into glass jars.

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Shannon Naidoo, the school liaison officer for Pick n Pay, said the Pick n Pay Hero Award programme, which is now in its 14th year, is an integral component of the Pick n Pay School Club and celebrates everyday acts of heroism, such as bravery, kindness and tolerance, taking place in South African schools.

“Heroes are not just people that we read about in the news. There are heroes all around us. The hero award aims to identify acts of emotional intelligence, by ordinary learners and teachers that turn the person into an extraordinary hero. An emotionally intelligent person displays both self-awareness and awareness of others. Ixolile has displayed the qualities of a true hero and deserves the award,” added Naidoo.

Ixolile became excited when the school announced the project and immediately jumped on board, helping to collect ingredients to donate. Some of the jars were recently donated to those living in Tent City, a non-profit organisation which provides shelter for homeless people.

Principal of Bluff Christian Academy, Benjamin Mpangase said, “The project has been growing in leaps and bounds and learners have been continuing their community involvement initiative by giving back to those who are less fortunate.

“We roped in the community to help fill glass jars with dry ingredients which can make a meal and we were pleased that the learners, parents and staff were proud to have been able to assist underprivileged people.”

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