Backpacks donated to local learners
The donated school bags were bought through funding contributed by individual members of the organisation.
Members of the African Women and Youth League (AWYL) Pimville Branch visited Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary School on Monday to surprise learners with school bags.
ALSO READ: JB Marks primary receives generous donation
The Zone Five based school had a rough start to this academic year as parents protested over the ailing infrastructure when schools opened.
The elderly ladies of AWYL wanted to make a positive contribution to the school and put smiles on the faces of the learners.
This was in keeping up with the organisation’s motto which is ‘Lift as you rise’ aimed at encouraging good citizenry and uplifting each other in the community.
The donation benefited 20 learners who received brand new school bags from the organisation. The donated school bags were bought through funding contributed by individual members of the organisation.
“This is one of the schools in the community that had some issues at the begging of the year and as the AWYL we thought it was a good idea to bring smiles to the children’s faces and motivate them with this gesture,” said Mam Cynthia Gambu, a member of the organisation in the Soweto region.
ALSO READ: Local NPO adds food donations to portfolio
She added that it was important for everyone to play their part in the development of the country’s future leaders.
This kind gesture was not only welcomed by the leaners but it was also applauded by the teachers as well. Teachers at the school welcomed members of the AWYL with open arms and embraced the idea of community organisations contributing in making the schooling environment better for the little ones.
Nomhle Nyathi, a head of department for Grade 4-7 at the school thanked the ladies of AWYL and said their contribution will go a long way in motivating learners at the school.
“You might think this is a small gesture but you’ll be surprised to know how much it means to a child.
“Some things can’t be seen with a naked eye but they do have a huge impact on the children, so thank you so much to AWYL for the gifts,” said Nyathi.
The AWYL is a community organisation with an interest in uplifting the underprivileged and those in need. It was founded in 1961 by women leaders who were concerned by the plight of the disadvantaged black people in townships. The league also has a strong presence in other provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KZN.
